World No.1 Novak Djokovic out up a fine display against Russia’s Aslan Karatsev to cruise into his ninth Australian Open final on Thursday night.
The eight-time Australian Open champion ended Karatsev’s run with a 6-3 6-4 6-2 semifinal defeat at Rod Laver Arena.
“This is the best I’ve felt in the entire tournament, I had no pain, my best match by far,” said the 17-time Grand Slam champion following his 20th straight Australian Open win. “I’m thrilled to feel this way for sure.
“I definitely had to stretch myself to the limit in the last five days, in every sense. Recovery is the priority right now. I’m feeling the ball well, I’m playing well, I’ve had enough match play. Right now it’s about gathering all the necessary energy for the most important match of the Australian Open.
“Of course it gives me more confidence knowing I haven’t lost here in finals or semifinals. But that won’t be the deciding factor…both Tsitsipas and Medvedev will want their first Grand Slam title. I’m sure they’ll do their best and I’ll be ready for that.”
The Serbian will play the winner of Friday night’s semifinal between Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in the final on Sunday night, where he’ll look to extend his perfect record in Australian Open deciders and earn an 18th major singles crown.
