Novak Djokovic, for the second day in a row, battled back from a set down against a Serbian compatriot to reach the Belgrade semi-finals on Thursday.

The world number one defeated Miomir Kecmanovic, the world number 38, 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.

Djokovic will face either third seed Karen Khachanov or Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro for a spot in the final, as he seeks a third victory in the Serbia Open and a fourth ATP Tour title overall in his hometown.

Djokovic also required three sets to beat Lazlo Djere in the first round of the French Open on Wednesday, as he prepares to defend his championship in Paris next month.

This is Djokovic’s third tournament of 2022 after he was deported from Melbourne and denied the chance to defend his Australian Open title after entering the country without vaccinations.

Due to his contentious Covid-19 attitude, he was also forbidden from competing at the Indian Wells and Miami Masters.

In February, the 34-year-old reached the final eight in Dubai before losing his first match at the Monte Carlo Masters last week.