‘Flawless Player’ and ‘Australian Open Master’ Novak Djokovic (36, Serbia, world No. 5) has only two wins left to win his 10th Australian Open in his career.
Djokovic beat Andrei Rublev (25, Russia, world number 6) 3-0 (6-1 6-2 6) in the men’s singles quarterfinals at the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament held at Melbourne Park Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia on the 25th. -4) to complete.
He extended his winning streak in this tournament to ’26’ and settled in the semifinals.
This year’s Australian Open has been a series of surprises. Top seed and ‘defending champion’ Rafael Nadal (37, Spain) was eliminated in the second round. Casper Ruud (25, Norway), the second seed and world No. 3, also suffered in the second round. Daniil Medvedev (27, Russia, 7th in the world rankings), who was the runner-up last year and is called a “hard court specialist,” also failed to advance to the round of 16.
However, ‘extraordinary’ did not work for Djokovic. Except for losing a set to Enzo Cuaco (27, France, world No. 191) in the second round, he won all matches without losing sets and settled in the semifinals.
He was embroiled in a controversy over a ‘fake injury’ ahead of the quarterfinals. Djokovic, who suffered a left hamstring injury, played with a bandage on his thigh. However, when the game was so perfect that the injury was colorless, ‘suspicion of fake injury’ poured out here and there. 메이저사이트
In response, Djokovic refuted, saying, “There is nothing to prove to those who doubt it. It is interesting that others feel sad when I am injured, but they say that I am lying when I am injured.” He added, “I’ve gotten used to it and it has given me extra strength and motivation.”
Even against Rublev, Djokovic stood on his court with a bandage on his thigh. He consistently overpowered his opponents and secured a ticket to the quarterfinals.
After the match, Djokovic praised his opponent, saying, “We played closely and Andrei (Rublev) is a great player. I admire him for having the fastest forehand on the tour.”
“I couldn’t be happier. I’m playing very solid on the court and I prefer this situation,” he said with satisfaction.
Djokovic has never lost a match in the final, let alone the semifinals of the Australian Open. He hoped to win his 10th title, saying, “The more the game goes on, the better I feel on the court. I have never lost an Australian Open semifinal in my career. I want it to stay that way.”
Djokovic will face Tommy Paul (25, USA, 35th in the world) on the 27th in the semifinals.