The number one will seek the final at home against the Russian Khachanov
MADRID, 21 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic came back (4-6, 6-3, 6-3) this Thursday to his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic to access the semifinals in the Belgrade tournament, ATP 250 that is played on clay, where he will face the Russian Karen Khachanov.
The world number one, in just his sixth meeting in 2022, managed to step up his level to claim fourth win, second in his hometown after a much more agonizing comeback on Wednesday against compatriot Laslo Djere.
Kecmanovic also snatched the first set from the defending champion in the Serbian capital. ‘Nole’, taking advantage of the heat in the stands, raised his level and gained confidence with his serve to force the third round. The tiebreaker was even until, in the decisive games, Djokovic repeated victory over Kecmanovic, in the same stage and round as last year.
The number one gained confidence and tennis, both of which are necessary for their next semi-final matchup. The champion of 20 ‘greats’ will be measured for a place in the final with the Russian Karen Khachanov, an important rival who beat (7-5, 6-4) the Brazilian Thiago Monteiro.