Madrid Open: Novak Djokovic moves into semi-finals

With a win over Hubert Hurkacz at the Madrid Open, Novak Djokovic advanced to his second semi-final of the year.

The world number one put forth a strong showing to defeat the Polish 12th seed 6-3 6-4.

On a hot day in Spain, Serbia’s Djokovic did not face a break point during the 78-minute match and won 81 percent of points with his first serve.

If Rafael Nadal defeats rising star Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic might meet his long-time adversary Rafael Nadal next.

Djokovic, a three-time champion in Madrid, has reached the tournament’s semi-finals for the seventh time.

He took advantage of Hurkacz’s lack of rhythm, breaking him at the first opportunity and finishing the first set in 30 minutes.

In the second set, Hurkacz saved two match points on his serve, but was unable to prevent Djokovic from completing a straightforward victory.

Djokovic has now reached the semi-finals of a Masters 1000 competition for the 72nd time. Only Nadal (76) has made it to the final four more times.

Djokovic lost in the final of the Serbia Open in April, his first final of the season.

Later in Madrid, Rublev will face Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Felix Auger-Aliassime will face defending champion Alexander Zverev.