Novak Djokovic does not seem to be bothered by the injury that hurt him at the start of the tournament.
The world number one played almost perfectly to beat Aslan Karatsev in two sets, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2, in the Australian Open semifinal on Thursday. He made an unforced mistake in more than 50 minutes on the court and later said, mentally and physically, that he feels better throughout the tournament.
“I was hitting the ball really well, mixing the pace. [I] did not give him the same looks. [I] always kind of kept him in doubt and got it right when I needed to get rid of problems at the end of the second set “, said Djokovic.
“I am very satisfied with the performance. Came on time, before [the] last match in a Grand Slam [tournament]. Being in this situation often [before] I think it helps to bring together all the elements necessary to reach the peak at the right time, which is happening again. I am very obviously happy about it. I am also happy to have two days off now. Recovery is still the priority. “
Djokovic is 9-0 in the Australian Open semifinals and seeks his ninth Grand Slam title. This would increase his current record of eight titles and make him only the second man to win nine or more titles on a website. A championship would also bring him closer to the record of 20 Grand Slam titles from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
No. 4 Daniil Medvedev and No. 5 Stefanos Tsitsipas face off in the other semifinal on Friday.
Djokovic loses the game in two sets
Karatsev went through qualifying and reached the semifinals on his Grand Slam debut. The Russian 114th-placed player kept his balance for seven games, but Djokovic increased and scored eight consecutive points in the first set’s victory.
In the second set, Karastsev broke Djokovic’s serve for the first time in the match to reduce the veteran’s lead to 5-4. Djokovic won the second set after holding several break points. He then crossed to victory with a performance in the third set.
Karatsev is the first man in the professional age to reach the semifinals on his debut in the major category. His performance at the Australian Open will place him in the Top 50 of the ranking, so he won’t have to go through qualifying.
Djokovic’s health is a concern
Djokovic suffered an abdominal muscle problem during the third round. He fought on the court, but overcame to defeat American Tayor Fritz, 7-6 (1), 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-2. Djokovic, 33, passed tests the next day and returned to the battle for a 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 victory against Milos Raonic, advancing to the quarterfinals.
He warned several times that he might not be able to continue and after Raonic’s victory, he confirmed why he is struggling to stay.
“There was a big question whether I will play or not, but it is a Grand Slam and, for me, at this stage in my career, that means everything,” he told reporters. “If it were any other tournament. , I probably wouldn’t be playing. “
With yet another game to play, Djokovic said on Thursday that he was “the best I have ever felt in the entire tournament”.
“I felt great. I could get through the ball. Painless. Best game so far, “said Djokovic.” It came just in time. I am thrilled to feel this way. “
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