Novak Djokovic powered into his sixth semi-final of the season on Friday by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-3 on the Astana Open quarter-finals.
Novak served exceptionally effectively in opposition to Khachanov and, on the similar time, certainly one of historical past’s biggest returners transformed three of 5 break level alternatives in opposition to the World No. 18’s formidable serve.
“I didn’t play as effectively from the baseline as I did within the first two matches, however nonetheless it was sufficient,” stated Djokovic after the match. “I managed to provide some good tennis when it was probably the most wanted in each units.”
Novak broke the unseeded Khachanov in his first service sport and led 3-0, earlier than Khachanov discovered an equilibrium and gained the following three video games. Serving to remain within the match at 4-5, a backhand error gave Djokovic set level. He transformed it with a surprising backhand volley into the open court docket.
After failing to transform a break level in opposition to Khachanov within the second sport of the second set, Djokovic managed it within the fourth. A forehand winner which will have clipped the road gave him a 3-1 lead. Novak’s steadiness within the lengthy factors in the end proved decisive, and he wrapped his 88-minute victory with an emphatic ace to safe a semi-final berth on event debut.
Match statistics: aces (3-2), double faults (1-4), winners (15-13), unforced errors (9-27), whole factors gained (65-45).
For a spot within the finals, Novak will face both Daniil Medvedev (RUS, 2) or Roberto Bautista Agut (ESP) on Saturday at 14.00 CET.
Photograph: AP
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