Novak Djokovic is into the semi-finals of Roland Garros after a 4-6 7-6(0) 6-2 6-4 win over Karen Khachanov.
Djokovic was the second best player for the majority of the first two sets but raised his level when needed to reach the last four in Paris.
Khachanov’s improved level showed in this competitive quarter-final match but came up short after lacking consistency in the big moments.
Next for Djokovic is Carlos Alcaraz or Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday.
It was an aggressive start to the match from both players as they brought their confident tennis to the occasion.
Khachanov wasn’t afraid to remain aggressive off both forehand and backhand as he used the angles to set up effective winners.
Djokovic remained solid on serve but lacked consistency on serve when dealing with Khachanov’s aggressive tennis.
Despite missing some easy chances on break points, Khachanov converted his fifth break point to seal the early break for a 3-2 lead.
There was a solid response from Djokovic but the Serb just couldn’t find attacking first serves when it mattered as the world number 11 threatened another break.
The third saved two set points to hold serve in the ninth game but ultimately couldn’t deny Khachanov the set as the 11th seed sealed the opening set in 58 minutes.
Just like Djokovic did in his previous matches, the Serb planned to make this a war of attrition as the Serb forced four of Khachanov’s service games to Deuce in the second set.
For the majority of the set, Khachanov was too solid and strong for the majority of the set as he came up with clutch points to hold on serve.
The Serb’s returning pressure was bound to be rewarded eventually and Djokovic’s consistency was too much in the tiebreak.
An incredible defensive performance in the second point of the tiebreak gave Djokovic the confidence boost needed as his clinical play tactically and mentally saw him prove a class above Khachanov.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion won all seven points in the tiebreak to level the match at one set all.
In the third set, Djokovic snuffed out all momentum Khachanov gained up until this point as he continued to produce shot-making of the highest quality.
A grinding break in the opening game was the perfect example of how Djokovic’s physical and mental strength was a class above Khachanov’s.
Another clinical break in the seventh game was evidence of how Djokovic’s all-court game had much more depth than Khachanov’s inconsistent accurate power.
Djokovic wrapped up the third set for a two sets to one lead and was well in control of the match after a break in the third game.
However Khachanov’s resilience and determination was admirable as he continued to create and save break point opportunities.
The 11th seed was rewarded with his hard work with a well-earned break in the eighth game.
Ultimately Djokovic had warned Khachanov out by this point and the Serb sealed an eighth consecutive point with an ace to seal a place in the semi-finals.
After his victory Djokovic said he has the greatest respect for Khachanov and is happy for the win, “I played the perfect tie-break and from that moment onwards I played a couple of levels higher than I did at the beginning,” Djokovic was quoted as saying by the BBC.
“A little bit scared at the end of the fourth set so I managed to win. It’s a big fight, it’s what you expect in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam. You are not going to have your victories handed to you and I’m glad to have overcome it today.
“I think I missed a couple of really easy shots today. I think it was 15 easy put-away backhands. Sometimes it works really well. Against players like Karen that have big serve and maybe don’t move as well, I try and make it unpredictable for him.
“Playing long shots, drop shots. It was a big fight, it always is. I have great respect for Karen and I wish him the best for the rest of the year.”
The former world number one is now two wins away from a 23rd Grand Slam title as he keeps getting better with each match.
Next for Djokovic is the ultimate test as he takes on either world number one Carlos Alcaraz or former finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas.
