Djokovic keeps perfect record in Australian semis
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic had a perfect record in Australian Open semifinals, and he was playing almost flawless tennis to protect it.
It didn’t matter that across the net was Aslan Karatsev, a 114th-ranked, 27-year-old Russian who had come through qualifying to make his debut in a Grand Slam tournament after nine failed attempts.
Djokovic made only one unforced error in more than 50 minutes.
It was tight for the first seven games — before Djokovic reeled off eight straight points to win the first set — and again when Karatsev went on an all-or-nothing roll late in the second set.
Sensing a shift in support for the underdog — there was a loud, vocal crowd at Rod Laver Arena after a five-day span when fans were barred during a local COVID-19 outbreak — Djokovic moved up a gear and finished off his opponent 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on Thursday.
He’s now 9-0 in semifinals at the season-opening major, and one win from a ninth Australian title.
“The more I win, the better I feel coming back,” the top-ranked Djokovic said. “The love affair continues.”
Djokovic awaited the winner of the semifinal between No. 4 Daniil Medvedev and No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas, scheduled for Friday night (Thursday night in Hawaii). He said he’d have a rest and get the popcorn ready to watch and see who he gets to face in Sunday’s final.
Given his past success in Melbourne, Djokovic should feel confident going into another championship match. He already owns an all-time record eight Australian titles, and he’s aiming for an 18th major title, which would reduce the gap to Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who share the men’s record at 20.
The 33-year-old Serb also is aiming to be only the second man to win nine or more titles at one of the four Grand Slams. Nadal has 13 at Roland Garros. Djokovic, in Australia, and Federer, with eight at Wimbledon, currently share second place.
“Recovery is the priority right now,” Djokovic said. “I’ve had enough match play, enough practice.
“Right now it’s just gathering all the necessary energy for the most important match of the Australian Open.”
After the win, Djokovic said Karatsev deserved plenty of praise for his amazing major breakthrough. After wins over three seeded players, Karatsev will move into the Top
50 for the first time next week, meaning he won’t have to go through qualifying for the majors.
“It’s given me more confidence — I’ve started to believe more,” Karatsev said of his run.
The biggest thing he’s learned in Melbourne, he added, is “that I can play with everyone — to be there, to compete with everyone.”