Novak Djokovic found his momentum and form as he defeated Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6 6-3 6-3 to reach the semi-finals in Belgrade.
The world number one found his form in the last two sets to defeat his in-form compatriot and reach the last four in Belgrade.
Just like his match yesterday, Djokovic was down an early break with Kecmanovic finding his power and range early on.
Despite being 3-2 down in the opening set, Djokovic wasn’t deterred as his defensive game improved and forced Kecmanovic into tight angles.
However the Indian Wells and Miami quarter-finalist took control in the big moments and weathered the Djokovic storm to take the opening set 6-4.
Both players were returning well to start the second set as Djokovic was starting to construct some effective patterns of play.
It was Kecmanovic’s power that made the breakthrough first as he created some powerful forehands for a 2-1 lead.
However Djokovic struck back immediately and broke for a 2-2 as he was starting to extend the rallies and force the world number 38 to overcommit to his shots.
After games of probing, Djokovic eventually found his rewards breaking in the eighth game with a mix of craft and power as he took a 5-3 lead.
Djokovic comfortably served out the second set as for a second day in a row he would be going to a deciding set against his compatriot in his home country.
The final set produced the most tension but exhilarating tennis of the match as both players felt comfortable on their own service games.
As both players raised their game it was Djokovic’s level that made the most impact on return in the match as he produced a stunning return game to break to love and take a 4-3 lead.
In the end Djokovic found his form and a sizzling backhand down the line on match point was the ultimate sign that the world number one was back to his best as he broke to win the match.
After the contest Djokovic praised the crowd and proclaimed how important reaching the semis was this week, “The scenario was similar to last evening’s match, but I managed to win and qualify for the semis,” Djokovic told the ATP website.
“Thanks to my team, I felt better than last night. It’s a very strange feeling, sharing the court with your compatriots. Obviously the crowd was phenomenal for both players in yesterday’s match and today.
“They’re very rare occasions when I’m able to play at home and experience this atmosphere, so I’m trying to enjoy every single moment.”
Djokovic will play either Karen Khachanov or Thiago Monteiro in the last four next as he looks to go one step further than last year.
Meanwhile last year’s runner-up Aslan Karatsev lost to Oscar Otte 6-7(4) 6-1 6-3.
While there were wins for Fabio Fognini and Andrey Rublev.
