Novak Djokovic beats Andrey Rublev to reach in semi-finals

• Novak Djokovic beats Andrey Rublev 6-1 6-2 6-4 to reach semi-finals of Australian Open.
• Serbian is bidding for a record-extending 10th title and 22nd Grand Slam title.
• He will now face American Tommy Paul in the last eight.

Novak Djokovic occupied fifth seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets at the Australian Open, advancing to the semi-finals.

Djokovic cruised to a 6-1 6-2 6-4 victory in Melbourne, where he is vying for a record-extending 10th title and 22nd Grand Slam title, to set up a meeting with American Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals.

In windy conditions on Rod Laver Arena, Djokovic targeted Rublev’s forehand and second serve with venomous returns and went ahead 3-1 in the first set after the Russian fifth seed double-faulted on break point, and the Serbian pulled away from there.

After taking the lead in the match with a brilliant backhand crosscourt winner, Djokovic demonstrated how difficult he is to beat on the grandest stage despite a strapped thigh due to a hamstring issue, breaking in the fifth game of the second set.

In the next game, he saved a break point and let out a huge roar before going on to double his lead in the contest after a frustrated Rublev unloaded on his coach in the stands after another double fault.

With Rublev seemingly out of ideas and a seventh quarter-final defeat at a major looming, Djokovic pounced early in the next set, closing out a convincing win on serve.

“I cannot be happier with my tennis,” Djokovic said. “I’ve been playing very solid. I love playing in these conditions, on this court. Overall I think the scoreline in the first two sets doesn’t speak the truth of the match.

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With Rublev seemingly out of ideas and a seventh quarter-final defeat at a major looming, Djokovic pounced early in the next set, closing out a convincing win on serve.

“I cannot be happier with my tennis,” Djokovic said. “I’ve been playing very solid. I love playing in these conditions, on this court. Overall I think the scoreline in the first two sets doesn’t speak the truth of the match.