Top seed Novak Djokovic produced a clinical 50-minute display to book a place in the semi-finals of the Japan Open on his debut.
The world No.1 dropped just three games during his comprehensive 6-1, 6-2, win over fifth seed Lucas Pouille. A former top 10 player who is currently ranked 24th in the world rankings. During the match, Djokovic won 82% of his first service points and 72% of his second. Hitting 22 winners to only eight unforced errors. It is his most dominant win in terms of games dropped since his victory over Phillip Kohlschriber at the Italian Open in May. In Rome Djokovic defeated the German 6-3, 6-0.
“It was definitely one of the best matches I’ve played this year. Best one of this week [and it] came at the right time. I thought Lucas was playing really well the first couple of matches in this tournament,” Djokovic told rakutenopen.com. “I saw him play a couple of days ago against Nishioka and he was playing really well. I took away the time from him. I served well, served many aces, returned a lot of his serves back and just used every opportunity to come in. Just overall, a really flawless performance.”
Djokovic’s only minor blip during what was mainly a one-sided encounter occurred towards the end of the second set. When he dropped serve whilst leading 4-1. Nevertheless, it failed to derail the Serbian who rallied towards the finish line. In total he won 53 out of the 76 points played against Pouille.
Playing in his first tournament since withdrawing from the US Open with a shoulder injury, Djokovic is aiming to win his fourth ATP title of the season and 76th overall. Earlier this year, he triumphed at the Australian Open, Madrid Masters and Wimbledon. He has now reached the semi-finals in six out of his past seven events played.
Djokovic will take on either David Goffin or Hyeon Chung in the next round. He leads Goffin 6-1 in their head-to-head and is currently level at 1-1 with Chung.
“[Chung has] struggled with injury and is building his [ATP] Ranking. He’s a great guy, a hard worker, he’s got a very solid game, very strong legs, moves very well, quick,” the world No.1 previewed. “Goffin on the other hand is someone that is in form. Played the finals in Cincinnati and has been coming closer and closer to Top 15, Top 10 of the world. So I’m looking forward to a great challenge tomorrow.”
Millman set for battle of the underdogs
In the other half of the draw, Australian qualifier John Millman continued his dream run with a straightforward 6-4, 6-0, win over home player Taro Daniel. The world No.80, who is yet to play a seeded player in the draw, broke his opponent six times during the match. It is the first time Millman has reached the last four of an ATP Tour event since the Bucharest Open in April 2018.
“It’s tricky. The conditions aren’t that easy. It was pretty gusty out there, but really essential to keep good footwork. [I] just had to focus a little more mentally,” Millman said. “But I’m really happy with how I played, how I executed throughout that match, and happy to be through to a semi-final here in Tokyo.”
Next for Millman will be America’s Reiley Opelka, who dismissed Japanese qualifier Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-3, 6-3. Blasting 16 aces past the world No.136. The 22-year-old, who stunned seventh seed Taylor Fritz in the first round, is through to his third semi-final of 2019 on the ATP Tour.
“I’m stoked. I’m happy. Today was tough, I felt some pressure. I was the favourite in that match. He was playing inspired tennis in his hometown with the home crowd,” Opelka said. “I thought I did a great job of dealing with all those different factors and variables. I played really well. The way I played that match is how I see myself playing, how I hope I play in the future. I had a lot of clarity on the court.”
Millman is yet to play Opelka on the tour.
