Angry Novak, steely Serena book semifinal spots
Eight-time winner Novak Djokovic smashed his racquet en route to a tense, four-set win over Germany's Alexander Zverev to reach his 39th Grand Slam semifinal at the Australian Open on Tuesday.
It was a patchy performance from the world number one, who is nursing an abdominal injury and drew deeply on his mental fortitude to win 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6).
Djokovic will be hot favourite to advance to Sunday's final when he plays Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev, who continued his dream run with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win against injured Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov.
The Serb remains on track for a record-extending ninth Australian Open title and 18th Grand Slam trophy, nipping at the heels of rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who both have 20.
Zverev lost to Dominic Thiem in last year's Melbourne semifinals, and fell agonisingly short against the Austrian at last year's US Open in his only Grand Slam final.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams said she aimed to keep lifting her level after she stepped up a gear to destroy Simona Halep and set up a semifinal with an "incredible" Naomi Osaka on Tuesday.
The seven-time champion, in her 20th Australian Open and 77th Grand Slam, raised her intensity and accuracy to beat the Romanian second seed 6-3, 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena.
"Definitely think this is the best match I have played this tournament, for sure," said 10th seed Williams, who is another step closer to a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title.
"Obviously I had to be going up against the number two in the world, so I knew I had to do better, and that's what I did and I'm excited."
The 39-year-old, 23-time major winner has lost four Slam finals while chasing Margaret Court's all-time mark since her last major victory at Melbourne Park in 2017 while pregnant.
Japan's Osaka stands between Williams and a place in another decider after the third seed crushed Taiwanese veteran Hsieh Su-wei 6-2, 6-2.
"I feel good. I feel like, you know, I'm here and I'm happy to be here," said the veteran, after reaching her 40th Grand Slam semifinal.
Comments