The 25th Grand Slam coronation is getting a little closer for Novak Djokovic. The world number one was able to get past the Australian dodger this Tuesday (over 30°C) to emerge victorious (7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3) with one hell of an arm iron battle of almost four hours with Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals. The American, world number 12, has long put the Serbian favorite in difficulty, who will therefore face Jannik Sinner (number 4) or Andrey Rublev (number 5) in the semi-finals on Friday.
At 36 years old, Novak Djokovic is definitely not having his quietest fortnight at the Australian Open since he has already dropped a set three times since the start of this edition. This is still his 11th appearance in the final four in Melbourne, which has happened 48 times (obviously a record) in his Grand Slam career.
“You will have to hang upside down from a tree”
The post-match turned out to be very nice this Tuesday, since his interviewer of the day on the Rod Laver Arena was none other than Nick Kyrgios, to whom he had sent a kiss during the meeting after an anthology point. “I was suffocated at the back of the court, I suffered a lot during the first two sets,” Novak Djokovic told him. I was on my heels in most of the rallies, and it was extremely hot. Physically, it was very trying, emotionally as well. » And for good reason, the first game set the tone by lasting more than 16 minutes, with the first three break points dismissed by Taylor Fritz. The rest was just as fierce, since the third round (one set all) began at the supposed time of the “night session”.
At the end of a great battle lasting 3 hours 45 minutes, and quite a heatwave for the Serb, he did not lose his sense of humor against Nick Kyrgios. Wishing to know his secret to achieving such a level of performance in Grand Slams, particularly in Melbourne, the Australian player was not disappointed by the response from the man who hugs the trees. “I’ll show you my tree, it’s a big secret,” the Djoker told him. You will have to take off your shoes, climb to the top of the tree and hang upside down on the highest branch for thirty-three minutes and 3 seconds. Then you will win a Grand Slam. » Novak Djokovic is still unplayable when he is thrown like this, on the court as well as on the microphone, let it be said.