Novak Djokovic did not flinch against Andrey Rublev in the quarter-finals. Winner 6-1 6-2 6-4, “Nole” is more than ever favorite to seek a 22nd Grand Slam title.
He won 6-1 6-2 6-4 in just 2h03′ ahead of Andrey Rublev (no 5) to obtain the right to challenge Tommy Paul (ATP 35) on Friday. Despite all his bravery and all his talent, it is hard to see how the American could worry the Serb, who will regain the place of world No. 1 if he wins this Australian Open.
Andrey Rublev, who had saved 2 match points against Holger Rune, did not even hold out for a quarter of an hour. He conceded a 1st break in the 4th game to live a real way of the cross even if the score can suggest a more assertive resistance in the 2nd and 3rd sets. Faced with a practically untouchable Novak Djokovic as soon as he leads in the score and who kept touching the lines, the Russian really did not have the shadow of a chance. He has probably gone through the same experience as Belinda Bencic on Monday against Aryna Sabalenka: that of being a lightweight against a heavyweight…
ats/nm