In the first three laps, he was tormented by his injured thigh. But for two games since the pain seems to have faded, Novak Djokovic has one goal in mind: to send a message to his rivals who are still standing in the big picture of the Australian Open.
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If Djokovic wanted to be feared, he succeeded. In fact, the other three players still in the running were probably suspicious long before that.
But in the quarterfinals against Russia’s Andrey Rublev, who conceded him just one spot in the world rankings, the fourth seed dominated from start to finish, winning 6-1 6-2 6-4 in 2h 03m.
The unreachable “Djoker”
The Russian was never able to solve the mystery of Djokovic, whom he had beaten once in three games. Back on the bench between games, Rublev was seen grabbing his head with both hands. The “Djoker” seemed unattainable to him.
And he was, even if some games were closer than the final score indicated. Relentlessly, Djokovic brought his opponent to play and forced a foul (Rublev committed 29) when he himself missed one of his 32 winning shots.
“Clearly to have beaten very good players in these last two meetings [l’autre était l’Australien Alex de Minaur, 22e favori]that’s really something I was looking for at the moment,” emphasized the former world number one.
“Of course, when I present this kind of tennis, my confidence increases,” continued the Serb, often very talkative in a press conference. I’ve been in a situation like this many times in my life. »
“I’ve never lost an Australian Open semi-final in my life. [en dix occasions], he also recalled. I hope it stays like this. »
” Happy Birthday “
Was it because of this desire not to give? Still, like Rublev, the 35-year-old legend has also shown some signs of frustration.
As has been the case several times since the beginning of the two weeks, “Djoko” also complained to the referee about the behavior of some spectators during the scoring. A Rublev supporter spoke on a few occasions when the Serb was on duty.
But when match point was disputed, the world fifth reconciled with the crowd, who also sang the famous Happy Birthday when Djokovic mentioned his mother Dijana, who was present in the stands, celebrating her birthday on Tuesday.
Forget the year 2022
Djokovic doesn’t hide it. He has a soft spot for Australia where he is aiming for a 10th title. Because if he has never lost a semi-final in Melbourne, he has never lost in the final there either.
And this time the motivation is twofold. It’s not just this desire to lift the trophy again on Sunday and improve on his own record at the Australian Open.
A year after being expelled because of an invalid visa, the Serb wants to forget the events of 2022.
“I’m still very determined, especially in Grand Slams, but this time there’s a little something extra,” Djokovic said. And I keep playing better. I couldn’t find myself in a better position. »
A first for six years
This tenth semi-final will be played tomorrow against the unexpected Tommy Paul, the 35th best player in the world. Paul, he had never reached four aces in a major tournament before.
By defeating fellow countryman Ben Shelton, Paul ended the brilliant epic of this young player who never left the United States before settling in Australia.
He was also the first American to make it to this stage of a major tournament since Sam Querrey six years ago.
” Obviously [Djokovic] feel quite comfortable in Australia, the 25-year-old joked after his win. It’s going to be a challenging game. But I’m presenting my best level at the moment. It couldn’t come at a better time. »
Live from Melbourne Park
The Australian Open grounds have been overcrowded since the start of the two weeks. In addition, the tournament broke attendance records almost every day for the first week. On some days almost 80,000 tickets were sold. But now the rounds are passing, the games are getting fewer and the ticket prices are going up. Many Melbourne residents and tourists take the opportunity to occupy the heart of the city, where there are a variety of restaurants and shops.
Look who’s there…
A week after her elimination in the second round at the Australian Open, Leylah Fernandez was still present in Melbourne. At least she was prominently displayed at the entrance to the Lululemon store at the Emporium mall downtown. Along with American Jack Sock, the Quebecois is one of two players to be outfitted by the Canadian company, originally known for its yoga wear.
The famous Vegemite for every taste
When you think of Australia, you also think of Vegemite. No, actually we mainly think of the beach, sun and kangaroos, but this brown spread made from brewer’s yeast extract and vegetables makes you curious. Australians love its salty taste and spread it on bread at lunchtime. It is present in all possible derivatives: salt-free, gluten-free… Some chefs also prepare it in their restaurants. It is good ? We don’t know, we didn’t dare to try it…
On Melbourne Beach
When you think of Australia, you think of both the sun and the beach. Yes, very close to Melbourne you can swim in the waves. Several beaches line Port Phillip Bay south of town. The most popular is Saint Kilda, a small seaside suburb about 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre. It was crowded on Wednesday but will be even more crowded on Saturday when the mercury is expected to hit 34 degrees.