Image: APA/AFP/JULIEN DE ROSA
The 36-year-old Serb remains in contention for his 23rd Grand Slam title after winning 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-4, with which he won Paris-“king” Rafael Nadal (Esp) would surpass and become the sole number one in the all-time best list in men’s tennis.
“Karen pushed me to the limit, he started really well. I improved and played well in the important moments”said Djokovic, who heralded the turning point with a flawless tie-break (7-0).
In the round of the last four on Friday, the two-time Roland Garros champion (2016 and 2021) and now twelve-time semifinalist will face either world number one Carlos Alcaraz (Esp) or Sebastian Ofner conqueror Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre). This spicy duel of the Night Session was still going on when this issue went to press.
In the women’s race, however, Aryna Sabalenka’s successful run is being extended. The number two in the world is still unbeaten in Grand Slam tournaments this calendar year, the winner of the Australian Open screwed her record to 12: 0 with a 6: 4, 6: 4 in the quarterfinals against Elina Switolina.
The next hurdle should also be jumpable. Sabalenka meets the world number 43. Karolina Muchova. The Czech prevailed against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkowa (Rus) 7:5, 6:2.
Still, not everything is pure bliss. Ukraine’s Switolina, as expected, refused to shake hands at the net with Sabalenka from Belarus because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Then there were whistles from the audience.
After critical questions about her attitude to the war and the Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko, Sabalenka had previously twice refused the press conference and instead hers “mental health” asserted.
After reaching the semi-finals, Sabalenka answered all questions. Joint photos with Lukashenko in the past she explained with his presence at Fed Cup games in Belarus. “At that time nothing bad happened in Belarus or in Ukraine or in Russia”said the 25-year-old: “I don’t support the war, that means I don’t support Lukashenko at the moment. I don’t want my country to be involved in a conflict.”
Svitolina didn’t take kindly to her opponent: “I have no respect for her. I may even have gotten to the point of hating her.”
Opening victory for Thiem
Austria’s star Dominic Thiem (No. 92) prevailed in the first round of the Challenger in Heilbronn against the Japanese Kaichi Uchida (No. 154) after 1:20 hours 6: 4, 6: 4 and now meets in the round of 16 Spaniard Pedro Martinez (No. 135).
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