Djokovic whips Rublev, earns ticket to semis

MELBOURNE, Australia – Novak Djokovic delivered a masterclass Wednesday to race into the Australian Open semifinals and edge closer to a 22nd Grand Slam title with a straight-sets thrashing of Andrey Rublev.

The Serbian was in the zone to blitz past the Russian, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, on Rod Laver Arena and meets Tommy Paul for a place in Sunday’s final.

The unseeded American Paul defeated countryman Ben Shelton, 7-6 (8/6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

“I cannot be happier with my tennis, honestly,” said Djokovic, after reaching a 10th semifinal at Melbourne Park. Only Roger Federer (15) and Jack Crawford (11) have been there more often.

“I’ve been playing very solid from the back of the court and I really love playing in these conditions and this court,” the 35-year-old told Rod Laver Arena.

“Some really close games that we had,” he added. “Andrey is a great opponent, great player. I have tons of respect for him, one of the biggest forehands, quickest players on the tour. I knew what the game plan was and it was important that I found my best tennis.”

Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title has been far from smooth, plagued by a left hamstring strain suffered en route to the title at Adelaide this month.

He struggled physically in the early rounds but was dominant during his fourth-round demolition of Alex de Minaur, and he showed few problems against Rublev.

Victory propelled him into a 44th Grand Slam semifinal to close the gap on Federer’s all-time record of 46. In another astonishing record, he clocked a 26th consecutive match-win at the Australian Open.