The sixth-best tennis player in the world is Andrey Rublev. He has built a prosperous career at the pinnacle of his field through his diligence and integrity. At age 25, he is entering his physical prime and should remain at the pinnacle of his sport for years to come.
Against the best, the absolute best, none of this matters. Wednesday night, Rublev entered Novak Djokovic’s lair, nighttime on Rod Laver Arena, and stood helplessly on the baseline for two hours as the nine-time Australian Open champion tore him apart 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to advance to the semifinals.
“Beating two really good, in-form players in three sets in my last two matches is exactly what I’m looking for at the moment,” said Djokovic. Something that sends a message to the remaining opponents in the draw.
This is Djokovic’s tenth appearance in the Australian Open semifinals. Every other time he has reached this point in his career’s most successful tournament, he has won. In addition, the Serb has won 26 consecutive matches at the tournament, matching Andre Agassi’s Open-era record.
In the semi-final, Djokovic will face unseeded American Tommy Paul, who continued his run by defeating 20-year-old compatriot Ben Shelton 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 for the best result of his career.
Rublev survived a five-set psychodrama of average quality against Holger Rune, recovering from a double match-point down to win the final set tie-break, hours before Djokovic destroyed Alex de Minaur in front of the Australian’s home crowd on Monday night, sending a message to the rest of the field. His voice shook as he expressed concern for his next opponent, Rublev.
Novak Djokovic dominates Rublev to reach Australian Open semi-finals
The condition of Djokovic’s hamstring has garnered significant attention over the past two weeks. Initially, as the court warmed up, he moved hesitantly on his backhand wing, and in the fourth game he fell after attempting to plant his left foot for an open-stance backhand.
His performance was so flawless that it was irrelevant. He has many more strengths than Rublev and the majority of other people, as well as many more options. He served exceptionally well, dominated the baseline with his forehand, and executed several beautiful volleys.
Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of Rublev’s forehand during their exchanges and methodical dismantling of the Russian’s renowned power was the most intriguing aspect of those early stages. It was not only an effective strategy but also a reminder of his superiority in all areas of the court.
By his second service game, Rublev exhibited signs of anxiety. He gave up the first break at 3-1 with a double fault that capped an error-filled match. Djokovic captured the break and then maintained constant pressure throughout the remainder of the match. His backhand soon shone – he deflected returns at his opponent’s feet and continually broke serve by standing on top of the baseline, relentlessly pounding forehands.
Despite receiving substantial support, Djokovic complained to the umpire, James Kethavong, during the match about a heckler. “If someone crosses the line and begins making comments that have nothing to do with supporting the other player, but rather are intended to provoke and insult, I will respond,” he said.
Seven consecutive grand slam quarterfinals
Despite the overwhelming score, Djokovic had to serve his way out of several difficult, close deuce games. Every time the situation demanded it, he served brilliantly or converted defense into attack to escape.
Rublev has now lost seven consecutive grand slam quarterfinals, falling to 0-7 in these contests. Despite all of his positive qualities, the Russian is one-dimensional compared to the best players in the world. He attacks from the baseline with his serve and forehand, and if that fails, he attacks even more. When the best players neutralize his obvious strengths, he is helpless.
Rublev’s game did not withstand Djokovic’s interrogation. Few players in history have been as adept as Djokovic at identifying weaknesses. As he continues to manage his hamstring injury, he has positioned himself for a historic 10th Australian Open championship.
While Djokovic meets Paul in their first encounter on Friday, Stefanos Tsitsipas will face Karen Khachanov in the second semi-final, with both players seeking their first appearance in the final. On the most significant court of Djokovic’s career, it remains to be seen if there is anyone else capable of challenging him. In the past fifteen years, few have.
“I feel good on the court, and as the competition develops, I feel better and better. I have been in this position numerous times in my life and career, but have never lost a semi-final at the Australian Open. Djokovic expressed hope that this would continue.
