Novak Djokovic advanced to the Madrid Open semi-finals with a simple 6-3, 6-4 victory over Hubert Hurkacz on Friday, as he seeks a fourth trophy in the Spanish city. Djokovic looked much more like himself on a beautiful day in Madrid at the Manolo Santana Stadium, as he worked his way back to top form ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month.
Djokovic defeats Hurkacz to advance to the Madrid semi-finals
When his opponent, Andy Murray, withdrew from their highly anticipated match owing to sickness, the 34-year-old was handed a walkover into the quarter-finals. And the top-seeded Serb got right to work facing Hurkacz.
Djokovic raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set, then closed it out in 36 minutes. And kept the pressure on in the second. He won after an hour and 20 minutes after getting the vital break at 3-2.
Djokovic hit 16 kills while without facing a break point against hrukacz, extending his perfect record against the pole to 4-0.
The first set I think we both didn’t play so great,took us both time to adapt to conditions,” Djokovic said. “I believe the second set was of higher quality tennis.” I was doing an excellent job of serving. “I’m delighted with how I constructed the point.”
Djokovic raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set, which he finished in 36 minutes, and he kept the pressure on in the second. He won after an hour and 20 minutes, after getting the vital break at 3-2.
Djokovic won 16 games without facing a break point against hrukacz, extending his 4-0 record against the pole.
“I believe we both didn’t play very well in the first set; it took us both time to adjust to the circumstances,” Djokovic remarked. “Better tennis in the second set, I believe.” I was doing a fantastic job with my service. “I’m happy with how I built the point.”