Novak Djokovic storms into Australian Open final with dominant win over Aslan Karatsev
Novak Djokovic kept up his 100 per cent record in Australian Open semi-finals with a straight sets victory over Aslan Karatsev. The 27-year-old was competing in his first main draw of a Grand Slam and became the first man in the Open era to reach the semi-finals in his debut.
Wins over Diego Schwartzman, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Grigor Dimitrov set up a fascinating battle against Djokovic for a place in Sunday’s final.
Djokovic admitted to knowing little about Karatsev ahead of their match, but insisted he wouldn’t underestimate the world No 114.
The Serbian was still the strong favourite to advance though having never lost a semi-final at the Rod Laver Arena.
And he looked unstoppable in the first set as Karatsev had no answers to get past Djokovic’s incredible defence.
