 "With 25th Grand Slam looking increasingly uncertain, Novak Djokovic could fulfill another dream next year")
 "Handshake Row: India didn’t do anything out of ordinary, athletes have often registered protests like this")
Preview: Novak Djokovic will look to stay on track for an 18th Grand Slam title, while Serena Williams has the formidable figure of Naomi Osaka blocking her path to a record-equalling 24th when the Australian Open semi-finals begin on Thursday. Around 7,500 fans will be back on a reduced capacity Rod Laver Arena, after a five-day state coronavirus lockdown, but Djokovic will be in unknown territory in the night match against Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev, who he has never played before. The world number one, who has been hampered by an abdominal injury, confessed he had not seen much of the tournament’s surprise semi-finalist – who has already seen off three seeds – but that he wouldn’t take the world number 114 lightly. “He’s impressed a lot of people with his movement and firepower from the baseline,” said Djokovic of Karatsev. [caption id=“attachment_9317541” align=“alignnone” width=“640”]  Serena Williams will take on Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open semi-finals, while Novak Djokovic will be up against Aslan Karatsev. AP[/caption] “He doesn’t have anything to lose, really. He’s motivated.” Karatsev, who is guaranteed to rise into the world’s top 50, is the first man in the Open era to reach a semi-final on his Grand Slam debut, and just the second qualifier to do so at the Australian Open after Bob Giltinan in 1977. Earlier Williams, the 10th seed, opens proceedings on Rod Laver against Osaka aiming to keep alive her dream of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown, wary of again falling victim to the Japanese superstar who beat her in the 2018 US Open final. The winner will play for the championship on Saturday against either Czech 25th seed Karolina Muchova or American 22nd seed Jennifer Brady, who clash in the second semi-final on Melbourne Park’s main show court. ‘Bring my A-game’ Williams, 39, sits one behind Margaret Court’s elusive all-time mark of 24 majors after losing four Slam finals since her 2017 victory at Melbourne Park while pregnant. One of those was the controversial 2018 US Open final defeat to Osaka, where the American star was docked a point and a game after losing her temper when warned about coaching. Osaka was booed by some fans and was in tears during the awards ceremony, later calling what should have been her moment of glory “a little bittersweet”. Williams said both players had reached “closure” on the painful moment, which has seen them inextricably linked ever since. They have played each other just once since that New York meeting, in the quarter-finals of the 2019 Rogers Cup in Toronto which Williams won in straight sets. Brady will face Muchova in the other semi-final, with a maiden Slam final guaranteed for one of them. Muchova, fresh from her upset of top-ranked Ashleigh Barty on Wednesday, said she had noted Brady’s “very big strokes” in their one previous meeting, when she beat the American in Prague in 2019. “So definitely going to be a tough battle,” she said of Brady, who toppled compatriot Jessica Pegula to make her second major semi-final after last year’s US Open. “I think I will have to bring my A-game to play with her because she is really playing amazing matches, having a good season.” With inputs from AFP.
Australian Open 2021 Highlights: Novak Djokovic through to ninth final; Jennifer Brady sets up Naomi Osaka clash
Australian Open 2021 Semi finals: Novak Djokovic will look to stay on track for an 18th Grand Slam title, while Serena Williams has the formidable figure of Naomi Osaka blocking her path to a record-equalling 24th when the Australian Open semi-finals begin.
 "Australian Open 2021 Highlights: Novak Djokovic through to ninth final; Jennifer Brady sets up Naomi Osaka clash")
Classy from Novak Djokovic on Aslan Karatsev who will rise to top-50 in the rankings on Monday
"We need to give Aslan a hand. Huge congratulations to him, he reached the semis on his Grand Slam debut, I don't think that's happened in the history of tennis."
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) February 18, 2021
- @DjokerNole praises his opponent's performance at the #AusOpen.
#AusOpen LIVE: https://t.co/vQs0gKF3XD pic.twitter.com/SUx54GwJQo
Novak Djokovic speaking to Jim Courier courtside:
“We need to give Aslan a hand. Huge congratulations to him, he reached the semis on his Grand Slam debut, I don’t think that’s happened in the history of tennis.”
“This is the best I’ve felt in the tournament, I felt great and I felt like I could really swing through the ball without pain. It came at the right time.”
“I have two days now, so I’ll see how I’m training after evaluating everything with my team. Recovery is key, but I will probably train on one of these days so I can be prepared for the most important match of the Australian Open.”
“I watched Tsitsipas’ win over Nadal, Stefanos did so well to hang in there. Rafa was dominating, but somehow, Stefanos turned it around. It was a high quality match, probably the highest level that we’ve seen in this tournament. Speaking of a high level, Medvedev has been playing at a really high levels for months. Both of these players have been playing well, so I’ll be sitting there with popcorn and watching them fight it out.”
A ninth Australian Open final (and title?) beckons for Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic is through to his NINTH Australian Open final!
— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) February 18, 2021
It was the Nole Show through and through, as the Serbian destroyed Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in just an hour and 52 minutes!#AusOpen LIVE: https://t.co/vQs0gKWEPb pic.twitter.com/BCLYMllglz
Novak Djokovic in semi-finals:
9-0 at Australian Open
14-1 in last 15 Grand Slams (only loss to Dominic Thiem at 2019 French Open)
28-11 overall in majors
GAME, SET, MATCH NOVAK DJOKOVIC
ACE! ACE! Novak Djokovic is into the Australian Open final with a comfortable finish in the end. Don’t let the 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 socreline fool you into thinking that was easy for Novak. It was anything but thanks to great hitting from Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 6-4, 5-2 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
DOUBLE BREAK! Karatsev goes for broke with the backhand on 30-30. Has nothing to lose it seems now. Misses the sideline and Djokovic has a chance to go two breaks up. Balls coming at him quickly now and the deep zipper from Djokovic sees Karatsev miss.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 6-4, 3-2 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
BREAK BACK! Novak Djokovic is once again in the ascendency. What incredible depth in his groundstrokes and Karatsev gets couple back before he buckles. Nets his backhand and Djokovic has two break points. Makes it count! Moves Karatsev side-to-side and the Russian, on the stretch, hits his forehand into the net. “No respite,” says the commentator and that is an accurate assessment for Djokovic matches
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, 2-2 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
Out of nowhere, Karatsev ups the intensity level and Djokovic is struggling to keep up. Two break points for the Russian. Short-ish ball and Karatsev thrashes it with a forehand winner. An absolute beating for the fluffy balls!
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, 2-0 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
No drama on this Novak Djokovic serve. He holds after dropping a point, looks up at his box and clenches his fist. The winning line is in sights!
All Novak Djokovic now!
🇷🇸 IDEMO 🇷🇸
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 18, 2021
On his third attempt, @DjokerNole closes out the second set against Aslan Karatsev, 6-4.
The world No.1 is one set away from another #AusOpen final 👀#AO2021 pic.twitter.com/CirwULJey9
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 6-4, 1-0 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
Novak Djokovic off the blocks perfectly to pick up from the adrenaline rush at the close of the second set. Karatsev doesn’t help and adds to his trouble by missing a short ball on break point. Finds the top of the net and it goes wide. In the first set he couldn’t miss and now he is being pushed every time he serves
Game, second set Novak Djokovic 6-4
Novak Djokovic went from 0-1 down to 5-1 and looked to be running away with it. But Aslan Karatsev fought back to break back once and comes close on the second instance. Djokovic having to save two break points to win the second set 6-4. Lets out a huge roar, punches the air in celebration. He’s one set away from a ninth Australian Open final
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
Djokovic serving for the second set for a second time. Starts better this time with an ace and then forcing Karatsev into a miss twice. Two set points for Novak. One saved by Karatsev as Novak’s forehand goes long in trying to hit it deep. The second is a real tussle. A fantastic 32 shot rally – longest of this match. Both players side to side, going deep and then Karatsev works the drop shot perfectly and Novak’s get to it is not enough. On deuce, Karatsev with a forehand winner on the serve and he has a break point. Neat serve from Djokovic to save it. On deuce, Djokovic’s backhand hits the top of the tape but doesn’t go over. Novak has won two points that way but in terms of the importance of it all, maybe he would have liked that one more. On second break point, another big serve, an ace this time. We’re back to deuce. Serve out wide and the Karatsev forehand return is long. A third set point for Novak now. Karatsev with a mishit forehand and it goes long.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 5-4 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
Djokovic opens the door ever so slightly with the luck of the net. 15-30 and Djokovic has a chance to break right back and take the second set. Nope says Karatsev with fantastic hitting and forces Djokovic into a miss and then brings up game point with a forehand winner. But Djokovic brings the game to deuce with a winner that kisses the side of the line. Ace and body serve later Karatsev stays in it
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 5-3 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
BREAK! An error and a double fault give Karatsev a break point chance out of nowhere. His first of the match. Bit of a mishit by Karatsev on the forehand and it goes wide. No issue with this forehand on deuce. Connects perfectly on the serve and sends a down the line winner. On second break point chance, Djokovic nets a backhand and Karatsev gets one break back.
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 5-2 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
Karatsev gets a game after losing five in a row. Djokovic with a *gasp* backhand unforced error and Karatsev puts the onus on Novak to serve it out. Does help that if Novak does, Karatsev serves first in the third set
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 5-1 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
Djokovic adds a winner and two aces to his stats column with the love hold and the Serbian is in complete control and oozing confidence. Just getting to everything and hitting with comfort that has been missing for a couple of matches
Novak Djokovic so far:
Aces: 8
Win 1st serve: 80%
Win 2nd serve: 75%
Break points won: 3/3
Winners: 16
Unforced errors: 1 (!)
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 4-1 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
DOUBLE BREAK! A huge serve return right at Karatsev’s laces and Djokovic has three more break points. And he gets it with a lot of luck. The backhand hits the net and topples over. When it’s your day, it’s your day!
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 3-1 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
From 40-0, Karatsev keeps clutching at it and pushing Djokovic. A backhand winner and then from the forehand to keep the game going. In the end, Karatsev goes for too much on the backhand in trying to change the flow of the rally. Djokovic consolidates the break
Novak Djokovic* 6-3, 2-1 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
Another love break and Djokovic gets the early break in the second set. Novak with a fantastic backhand cross court winner on the stretch as well in that game – the Djokovic trademark. Karatsev throws the game away with a double fault
Novak Djokovic 6-3, 1-1 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
A hold each from both players to start the second set. Djokovic with an incredible defensive shot immediately after serving. Made to move towards his backhand, Novak gets his racket to it but the contact is from the back of his racket. Not enough to win the point but great footage
First set stats
First set: Novak Djokovic
Experiences rises to the 🔝
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) February 18, 2021
World No.1 @DjokerNole breaks first and consolidates to take the opening set 6-3 against Aslan Karatsev. #AO2021 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/T0o9zMgcBW
Novak Djokovic 6-3 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
FIRST SET NOVAK DJOKOVIC! Ace out wide and three set points for Djokovic. And he gets the opening set with an ace as well. 10 straight points for Novak to take the opening set in 35 minutes
Novak Djokovic* 5-3 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
From nowhere, Karatsev with a poor serve. Errors on both wings and Djokovic has three break points. And he needs just the one. Djokovic mixing things up with slice backhands, deep forehands and Karatsev misses his backhand. BREAK!
Novak Djokovic 4-3 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
Every game I’m made to think: “How was this guy only playing Challengers before this?” Karatsev with a gorgeous top spin lob to send Djokovic running back from the net. The defensive lob from the Serb is easily smashed away from the Russian. Djokovic holds in the end but great start for Karatsev
Intruder on the court!
Mind the butterfly 🦋#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/f0ViaUXpyJ
— ATP Tour (@atptour) February 18, 2021
Novak Djokovic* 3-3 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
Karatsev starts with a double fault and that’s a freebie for Djokovic. Novak bounces into the forehand and ekes out an error. 0-30. Little window opening. Karatsev shuts it with big groundstrokes to force an error and then a forehand winner. Incredible hitting on the forehand from Karatsev and Djokovic can only get one back but not the second. Opens up the court with another forehand and closes the game out with a backhand drive volley. Some meaty hitting!
Novak Djokovic 3-2 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
Once again Karatsev pushing Djokovic on the serve. Once more beautiful hitting from the back by both players but Karatsev comes out with the point as Novak errs. Karatsev goes for all with a forehand cross court on 30-30 but misses. Just wide. And Djokovic with a roar as Karatsev sends backhand return long. Novak knows he’s got a battle on his hands
Novak Djokovic* 2-2 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
BLOODY GOOD FROM KARATSEV! Djokovic with the thumbs up as Karatsev picks up a drop shot, sends one of his own and then produces an outstretched volley winner into the vacant court. Great hands. Djokovic not going up the game without a fight either. A lovely forehand winner down the line to keep at it but Karatsev holds with a backhand winner on a short ball.
Novak Djokovic 2-1 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
BUTTERFLY ATTACK! A butterfly gets in Djokovic’s face and he gets out of it smiling. Same cannot be said for the game. Novak gets pushed and couple of rallies ensue and Karatsev nets backhand on both points.
Novak Djokovic* 1-1 Aslan Karatsev (* denotes next server)
Nerves? What nerves? Karatsev is not awed by the occassion at all it seems. Not awed by the presence of crowd either. Gets going with a comfortable hold of serve.
Novak Djokovic 1-0 Aslan Karatsev* (* denotes next server)
Djokovic gets the match underway. He has no trouble in getting things going calmly. An ace to hold at love.
Road to the final: Aslan Karatsev
Karatsev, in comparison, has had a less dramatic passage to the last-four but not one without plenty of attention. He’s beaten a top-10 player in Schwartzman, an up and coming in Felix Auger-Aliassime – where he trailed by two sets and won – and Dimitrov. The Bulgarian was in physical distress during the match but played through.
Road to the final: Novak Djokovic
The Serb almost went out of the bizarre match against Taylor Fritz in the third round when the crowd was ushered out and the players had to leave the court. Against Zverev in the quarterfinal, Djokovic trailed 0-3 twice but came through in four sets.
Karatsev
First and foremost, who is Karatsev? He’s the 2011 Russian best junior and is playing just his 19th Tour-level match. Prior to this, he had played most of his tennis at the Challenger level and had looked to just get into the top-100 in 2020 (and then 2021). The big serving 27-year-old has taken down quite a few big players: Schwartzman, Auger-Aliassime and Dimitrov.
Djokovic
The Serb has won all eight semi-finals he’s played at Melbourne Park. But Karatsev is his sixth different opponent and one that has come out of nowhere. Djokovic has been having issues with his body coming into this match and blamed it on the quarantine measures that the players were put under.
Up next: Novak Djokovic vs Aslan Karatsev
In the evening session on Rod Laver Arena, eight-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic takes on Aslan Karatsev. The Russian qualifier is making his first Grand Slam main draw
WWE SummerSlam 2025 Night 2 results: Cody Rhodes beats John Cena in wild title match
Brock Lesnar's return headlines Night Two of WWE Summerslam Cody Rhodes defeats John Cena to become the Undisputed WWE Champion Becky Lynch defeats Lyra Valkyria to stay Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
More Impact Shorts "Charlie Kirk, shot dead in Utah, once said gun deaths are 'worth it' to save Second Amendment")
 "From governance to tourism, how Gen-Z protests have damaged Nepal")
 "Did Russia deliberately send drones into Poland’s airspace?")
 "Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ for Israeli hostages: Qatar PM after Doha strike")
 "Charlie Kirk, shot dead in Utah, once said gun deaths are 'worth it' to save Second Amendment")
 "From governance to tourism, how Gen-Z protests have damaged Nepal")
 "Did Russia deliberately send drones into Poland’s airspace?")
 "Netanyahu ‘killed any hope’ for Israeli hostages: Qatar PM after Doha strike")
](https://images.firstpost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Serena-Williams-Naomi-Osaka-Novak-Djokovic-Collage-640.jpg){kind=link}
Top Shows
