Djokovic ends Karatsev’s dream run

Defending champion Novak Djokovic ended the remarkable run of Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev to ease into his ninth Australian Open final with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 win yesterday. In one of the more improbable semi-final matchups at a Grand Slam, Djokovic was broken twice by the world number 114 Karatsev but ensured there would be no Russian revolution under the lights of Rod Laver Arena. As a long tournament took its toll on Karatsev, Djokovic raised his game in the third set and sealed the win with an ace to trigger a roaring ovation from Serbian fans in the crowd. Djokovic will face either Stefanos Tsitsipas or Daniil Medvedev, the pair who set to meet in Friday’s semi-final., in Sunday’s final. PHOTO: REUTERS