Djokovic mows down Rublev to achieve Australian Open semis

DAVID GRAY/ AFP

Novak Djokovic delivered one other masterclass on the Australian Open to thump fifth seed Andrey Rublev and attain the semi-finals.

The Serbian raced to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 win at Melbourne Park the place he’s bidding for a record-extending tenth crown and twenty second Grand Slam title.

Djokovic focused Rublev’s forehand and second serve with venomous returns in windy circumstances on Rod Laver Arena and went forward 3-1 within the first set after the Russian fifth seed double-faulted on breakpoint and the Serbian pulled away from there.

After taking the lead within the match with an excellent backhand crosscourt winner, Djokovic confirmed how onerous he’s to beat on the grandest stage regardless of a strapped thigh on account of a hamstring challenge after the fourth seed broke within the fifth sport of the second set.

He performed exquisitely to save lots of a breakpoint within the subsequent sport and set free an enormous roar earlier than happening to double his benefit within the contest after a annoyed Rublev unloaded on his coach within the stands following one other double fault.

Djokovic pounced early within the subsequent set with Rublev showing bereft of concepts and a seventh quarter-final defeat at a serious looming, as the previous primary closed out a convincing win on serve to arrange a last-four assembly with American Tommy Paul.