MELBOURNE (Australia): Eight-time champion Novak Djokovic overwhelmed Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 53 minutes at the Australian Open to reach his 28th Grand Slam final.
“This is the best I’ve felt in the entire tournament,” said Djokovic. “I could swing through the ball. No pain. The best match so far.”
This would be his ninth Australian Open final as 33-year-old showed no ill-effects from an abdomen injury sustained in the third round.
“Couldn’t be better timing for me to play my best tennis,” said the Serb, who hit 30 winners and 17 aces.
Djokovic who has never lost an Australian Open final, is one win away from his 18th Grand Slam trophy while Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are on 20.
“I’m going to take the popcorn and enjoy it,” added Djokovic. “I absolutely have zero preference. I’m ready for the toughest match of the tournament (final).”
