Novak Djokovic is through to the 46th Grand Slam semi-final of his illustrious tennis career after beating Andrey Rublev 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 and 6-3 at Wimbledon.
After getting bogged down in the first set, the seven-time champion simply switched to a higher gear and he pretty much blew away his Russian opponent.
In fact, Rublev could only smile a few times when Djokovic came up with another winning shot.
Djokovic is chasing his fifth Wimbledon title and there is undoubtedly a target on his back: The younger players are throwing everything into the battle to deal with him.
“However, I love the pressure. I think any tennis player would love to be in a position where everyone wants to beat you. I agree with Billie Jean King: It is indeed a privilege,” said the Serbian after the Rublev showdown.
At least he also had time for a joke.
“I know they want to win, but it’s not happening yet. My goodness, at least I sound very humble now,” he joked with a smile.
Djokovic will cross rackets with Jannik Sinner in one of the tournament’s semi-finals.
In the women’s division, Elina Svitolina, a promoter’s choice from Ukraine, continued her dream run when she settled with the world’s leading player.
Svitolina beat Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-7 and 6-2.
“I think she (Svitolina) really wants to win the tournament. And I am undoubtedly in her corner. She played with great freedom and perseverance; sometimes she almost pulled loose on the court and made the game significantly faster,” Swiatek said after their duel.
“HOW ABOUT THAT!” ????
A stunning @ElinaSvitolina backhand on the run is today’s Play of the Day, presented by @BarclaysUK#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Oe4osRPUXx
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 11, 2023
Results:
Novak Djokovic beats Andrey Rublev 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 and 6-3
Jannik Sinner beats Roman Safiullin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 and 6-2
Elina Svitolina beat Iga Swiatek 7-5, 6-7 and 6-2
Marketa Vondrousova beat Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6 and 6-4
Today’s matches:
Daniil Medvedev vs. Christopher Eubanks (Quarterfinal)
Carlos Garcia vs. Holger Rune (Quarterfinal)
Madison Keys vs. Aryna Sabalenka (Quarterfinal)
Our Jabeur against Elena Rybakina (quarter-final)
