I found my best tennis during important moments – Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic made his way into the 10th Australian Open semifinal after comprehensively beating Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals by 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 at the Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. Djokovic once again brought his best tennis to the court as he dominated from the get-go.

The Serbian was just ruthless from the start and gave no chance to the Russian. Djokovic looked in control as he dictated the terms to the opponent in his typical style.

The nine-time Australian Open champion feels he found his best game during the crucial stages of the match and it was a tight match than it looked.

“Overall I think that the scoreline in the first two sets doesn’t speak the truth or the reality of the match,” said Djokovic in his on-court interview. “It was some really close games that we had. Andrey is a great opponent, and a great player. I’ve got tonnes of respect for him, one of the biggest forehands, and one of the quickest players on the Tour.

“If I have to sum it up, all the important shots, the important moments I found my best tennis. So that’s what makes me the most pleased tonight.”

After his fourth-round match against Alex de Minaur, Djokovic had tipped that win as the best of the year for him. The Serbian ranked the quarterfinal performances in the second spot.

“I would rank it as number two, but very close to the performance of two nights ago,” said Djokovic. “I cannot be happier with my tennis, honestly. I’m playing very solid from the back of the court and really love playing in these conditions on this court… It’s definitely the most special court for me.”

Djokovic feels his semi-final opponent Tommy Paul will have nothing to lose and he will want to replicate the same performance in the semis. Djokovic will face the American on Friday.