Champion Djokovic stops Karatsev, cruises into Australian Open final

QUALIFIER Aslan Karatsev’s remarkable Grand Slam debut was emphatically halted 6-3 6-4 6-2 by world No.1 Novak Djokovic on Thursday to book his Australian Open final ticket.  

Chasing an unprecedented ninth title at Melbourne Park, defending champion and top seed Djokovic will “grab the popcorn” to watch Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas’ semi-final ahead of his 28th major final on Sunday.  

“This is the best I’ve felt in the entire tournament, I had no pain, my best match by far,” said the 17-time Grand Slam champion following his 20th straight Australian Open win. “I’m thrilled to feel this way for sure.

“I definitely had to stretch myself to the limit in the last five days, in every sense. Recovery is the priority right now. I’m feeling the ball well, I’m playing well, I’ve had enough match play. Right now it’s about gathering all the necessary energy for the most important match of the Australian Open.

“Of course it gives me more confidence knowing I haven’t lost here in finals or semifinals. But that won’t be the deciding factor…both Tsitsipas and Medvedev will want their first Grand Slam title. I’m sure they’ll do their best and I’ll be ready for that.”

Almost four years ago, Karatsev was in the crowd to watch as Djokovic took on Andy Murray in the final of the 2016 ATP Finals.  

Fast-forward to his breakout major, one where he’s sent all sorts of records tumbling, the 27-year-old was bidding to become the first player to reach the final on his Grand Slam bow.  

Djokovic, intent on closing the gap on 20-time major champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, set the tone with a hold to love within a minute.  

The crowd, back inside Rod Laver Arena after Melbourne’s lockdown ended, was pulling for the underdog. The current world No.114, set to rise into the top 50, smacked a special forehand cross court winner for an opening hold.  

In just his 19th tour-level match, the Russian was far from intimidated, nothing was passive in his play. 

Great balance and movement in a net exchange was given the thumbs-up by the defending champion.   

ausopen.com.