Novak Djokovic has beaten Russian Andrey Rublev in straight sets at the Australian Open to progress to the semi-finals.
Djokovic comfortably saw off his opponent 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in a match which lasted just over two hours.
Speaking on court after the win, the 21-time Grand Slam champion said: “I cannot be happier with my tennis, honestly.
“I’ve been playing very solid from the back of the court, and I really love playing in these conditions on the court.
“I’ve said it many times, I love playing here, definitely the most special court for me.
“Andrey is a great opponent, a great player. I have tonnes of respect for him. He has one of the biggest forehands, [he’s] one of the quickest players on tour.
“If I had to sum it up, in all the important moments I played my best tennis so that’s what makes me the most pleased tonight.”
The Serbian fourth seed made a terrific start, breaking Rublev twice in the early stages before sealing the opening set with a backhand winner.
After appearing to receive some heckling from the stands, Djokovic cut a visibly frustrated figure at the beginning of the second set.
His frustration soon turned to elation as he forced an error from Rublev in the fifth game to move a set and a break up on the fifth seed.
The Serb saved break points in his next service game to move two clear, before breaking the Rublev serve once again to seal the set 6-2.
Any chance of an unlikely comeback was all but ended in the opening game of the third as Djokovic broke his dejected opponent’s serve immediately, leading to the Russian dropping his racquet to the floor in bewilderment.
Rublev improved as the set wore on, but could not make the necessary breakthrough as another unforced error handed Djokovic the victory to set up a meeting with American Tommy Paul in the last four.
Ahead of Friday’s clash, Djokovic said: “Obviously he doesn’t have much to lose, first time in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam.
“He’s been playing some terrific tennis in the last 12-15 months so I’ve got to be ready and obviously not approach it any way differently than I have the past couple of matches.
“If I play this way, I think I have a good chance to go through.”
