24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic advanced to his 11th Australian Open semi-final with a gritty win over USA’s Taylor Fritz.
Djokovic’s match against Fritz was marked by an intense start as the American managed to save three break points in the opening 16-minute round. Djokovic showcased his dominance by winning the first set, although Fritz managed to momentarily shift the momentum by capturing the second set.
Despite missing out on the first 15 break points, Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, bounced back in the third set to regain control of the match. Even though Fritz put up a brave fight till the end, Djokovic sailed through to clinch a 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 victory.
The match marked Djokovic’s ninth victory against Fritz. This victory paved the way for Djokovic’s 11th Australian Open semi-final, while Fritz was denied his first major semi-final appearance.
Djokovic also became just the second player after 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer to register 700 hard-court wins in the ATP during the Open Era.
The Serb will face either Andrey Rublev of Russia or Italy’s Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
During the on-court interview with Nick Krygios, Djokovic praised both Rublev and Sinner, saying he will be watching their match with some popcorn at home.
“Both are in great form. I watched Rublev the other night against de Minaur. Some of the quickest & most grueling exchanges I’ve seen in Rod laver arena in years. Sinner is playing the tennis of his life. He had a fantastic ending of last season. I can expect him to always play on the highest level. Let’s get some popcorn, you and I. We’ll chill on the sofa, enjoy the match and watch them play,” said Djokovic.
GAUFF OVERCOMES KOSTYUK
Reigning US Open champion, Coco Gauff defeated Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk to reach her first Australian Open semifinals in a demanding match that ended 7-6(6), 6-7(3), 6-2.
Despite trailing 5-1 in the opening set and being an early break behind in the second set, Gauff didn’t lose her nerve. Instead, she saved crucial set points, managed to claw back in the tie-breaks and started the third set vigorously.
A solid performance in the deciding set sealed the victory after a grueling 3-hour fight. With this win, Gauff became the second teenager in this century to win her first 10 matches in a single calendar year after Justine Henin in 2001.
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