Djokovic Rolls Into Australian Open Final

January 25, 2019 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Djokovic
Photo Credit: LI Tennis Mag/Sidney Beal III

 

A day after Rafael Nadal dropped just six games en route to the Australian Open final, Novak Djokovic was nearly equally as dominant in his semifinal match on Friday. The top-seeded Serb routed Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 to secure his spot in the championship.

“Today was a perfect match for me from the first to the last point,” said Djokovic. “I executed everything that I intended to and even more than I had expected.”

Djokovic was attempting to reach the Melbourne final for the seventh time in his career, while Pouille was competing in the first major semifinal of his career. The contrast was evident. Djokovic committed just five unforced errors and never faced a break point to advance in just one hour and 23 minutes.

On Sunday, Djokovic and Nadal will square off for the 53rd time in their decorated careers.

“He’s my biggest rival in my career. I’ve played so many matches against him, epic matches on this court,” said Djokovic. “Of course, the one that stands out was the finals of almost six hours in 2012. Hopefully, we don’t go that long this time. But I’m sure we’re going to have a good final.”

 


Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
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