World No.1 Novak Djokovic has made it to his ninth Australian Open final and ended the dream run of Aslan Karatsev to reach the final.
The defending Champion will face the winner of the second semi-final between Danil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday.
Karatsev, ranked 114, became the first man in the open era to reach the semi-finals of his first career appearance in the main draw of a Grand slam tournament. He eliminated three seeded opponents to clinch a spot in the semi-finals against the World No.1.
Djokovic eased pass the 114th seed in three straight sets – 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on Rod laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia on Thursday.
The Serbian has won the title on each of the eight previous occasions he has reached the semi-final in Melbourne.
He will continue his bid for a ninth title in Melbourne and 18th Grand slam trophy in total.
The semi-final clash was a stroll for Djokovic after the dramas of his tournament so far, including a stomach injury suffered in a third-round five-setter against Taylor Fritz and a nail- biting win over Alexander Zverev in the quarter-finals.
The Russian broke Djokovic twice, but the World no.1 was big enough for the task. Djokovic went into a 1-5 lead in the second set, but the Russian clawed back in the set to 4-5 and forced Djokovic to save two breaking points.
Djokovic won the game in stylish manner that triggered roaring ovation from Serbian fans, his ace saw him stroll into his ninth Australian open final.
The Serbian following his game said;
This is the best I have felt in the entire tournament. I felt great, I could swing through the ball, no pain. Best match so far. It came at the right time and I’m thrilled to feel this way.
I have two days now. I will definitely train one of the next two days. Recovery is priority right now. I’m feeling the ball well, I had enough match play, so right now it’s just gathering all the necessary energy for the most important match.
Djokovic will play in his 28th Grand Slam final on Sunday against the winner in the second semi-final between Danil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.
