Novak Djokovic is through to his 28th Grand Slam final after battling past Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev at the Australian Open.
The world No.1 withstood some impressive shot-making from his rival to prevail 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, in Melbourne Park. Making it the first time he has won a match without dropping a set in the tournament since the first round. Although Djokovic was tested during his latest encounter by the world No.114 who was the first man to reach a Grand Slam semi-final on their debut in the Open Era.
“This is the best I felt in the entire tournament,” said Djokovic, who has been nursing an undisclosed injury in his abdominal region. “I could swing through the ball with no pain. It’s just my best match so far and it came at the right time. I’m thrilled to be feeling this way.”
Prior to the start of the tournament Karatsev posed as one of the most unlikely players to be taking on the reigning champion in the semi-finals. Until now the 27-year-old Russian had never played in the main draw of a Grand Slam but a fairytale run has seen him produce a series of sensational wins in Melbourne. Knocking out three seeded players to become the lowest ranked player to reach the last four of a major since Goran Ivanisevic at the 2001 Wimbledon championships who is coincidentally now part of Djokovic’s coaching time.
“Huge congratulations to him on his (Grand Slam) debut,” the 17-time Grand Slam winner said of his opponent. “To reach the semi-finals I don’t think has ever happened. Well done to him, he played a great tournament.”
Initially it appeared as if Djokovic would have to contend with some more impressive play from the underdog who didn’t show any signs of nerves early on. However, the world No.1 swiftly established his dominance as the match progressed. Djokovic first drew blood eight games in after three consecutive Karatsev errors enabled him to break for a chance to serve the first set out. Something the top seed did with ease after fighting an ace down the centre of the court.
The eight-time champion looked as if he was going to run away with the match after breaking to love twice in the second frame en route to a set and 5-1 lead. However, Karatsev wasn’t going down without a fight as he retrieved one of those breaks after a Djokovic backhand slammed into the net. Prompting cheers from the crowd who were rooting for the underdog. Weathering the storm Karatsev reduced his deficit from 1-5 to 4-5 but still it wasn’t enough. The Serbian was forced to battle harder than before but managed to seal the two-set lead with the help of a deep shot that forced his opponent to return the ball out. Triggering a huge roar of relief from Djokovic.
A case of deja vu occurred in the third set with Djokovic breaking twice in a row to move to a game from victory. However, unlike the middle set he didn’t falter at the crucial moment. Serving for victory, he sealed the win with the help of two aces.
“I’ll train on one of the next two days, probably the one which is the closest to the final,” Djokovic said of his upcoming preparation. “My recovery is a priority right now. I am feeling the ball well, I have enough match play, enough practice and right now it is just about gathering all the necessary energy for the most important match.”
The latest victory has increased Djokovic’s perfect record against qualifiers in Grand Slam’s to 20-0. He has also become the first man in history to reach the Australian Open final three times after turning 30 and ninth overall.
He will next play either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Daniil Medvedev. Two players who he has lost to on multiple occasions but still leads their head-to-head. The other men’s semi-final will take place on Friday.
“It’s going to be interesting to see them play. It is always a high intensity match between them. They are a very good match up and both are playing great,” Djokovic concluded.
“I have a zero preference (on whom I want to play in the final).”
