Novak Djokovic will make his 25th Grand Slam semi-final appearance on Friday after defeating 8th seed Milos Raonic in Wednesday’s Australian Open quarter-final at Rod Laver Arena.
Looking to comeback from two sets down for the first time in his career, Raonic got off to a less than ideal start in third set as Djokovic secured the first break point to take a 2-1 lead. The 27-year-old easily nabbed the double break before wrapping up the final set in a brisk 32 minutes.
“It was a great performance, definitely no complaints,” Djokovic said at centre court after the victory.
“I returned very well, tried to get as many balls back in play. Some games I had to let it go and wait for the opportunities when they were presented and obviously try to use them and it’s what I’ve done.
“I served very well and overall just a great match.”
The 24-year-old Canadian fell short of equalling a career best semi-final appearance achieved at last year’s Wimbledon.
“Bad luck for Milos today, he’s one of the up and coming rising stars,” Djokovic added. “He’s one of the three players challenging the best players in the world and he’s already an established top 10 player and I wish him all the best for the rest of the season.”
Earlier on Wednesday, reigning Australian Open champ Stanislas Wawrinka eased past last year’s US Open finalist Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-4 7-6 (8-6), winning 86 percent of first-serve points and collecting 20 aces behind a dominant service game.
The fourth seed will face Djokovic in Friday’s second semi-final.
“There is no easy match. For sure it’s going to be tough one, but so far I’m playing well and so happy to be back in the semifinals,” Wawrinka said.
“I’ve got time to practice well and get ready mentally.”
Photo: William West/Getty Images.
