Novak Djokovic pulls double duty to book Cincinnati semi-final against Marin Cilic
Novak Djokovic pulled double duty to book a Cincinnati semi-final spot on Friday.
The five-time finalist, who has never won the tournament, started the day by beating Grigor Dimitrov despite a wretched start to the match.
Djokovic lost the first set in pretty dismal fashion before powering back and claiming a 2-6 6-3 6-4 win over the Bulgarian.
However, due to a rain delay, the reigning Wimbledon champion wasn’t done for the day, and had to return later on in the day to repeat the trick, this time against big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic.
This time, the Serb was able to claim the first set but still needed three sets to get over the line, this time 7-5 4-6 6-3.
Novak Djokovic claims tennis fans are no longer intelligent enough for five-set matches.https://t.co/6tLDXZydGs pic.twitter.com/jSjY9kwMo4
— Tennis365 (@T365Official) August 16, 2018
“In matches like this, very few points decide the winner,” Djokovic said on-court.
“He was playing tactically really well. I was very fortunate to read his serve on a couple of occasions.”
Djokovic will now face Marin Cilic in the semi-finals after the Croatian cruised past Pablo Carreno Busta 7-6 6-4.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
NewsHeather Watson inspired by Andy Murray as she makes quarter-finals in Birmingham
The British number two was leading when Zhang Shuai retired from their match due to a leg injury.
-
WimbledonRoger Federer is beaten on grass as his Wimbledon hopes take a hit
Federer’s hopes of a lengthy run in the Halle grass court event came to an end as he was beaten by Felix Auger-Aliassime.
-
NewsCameron Norrie beats Australian Open semi-finalist Aslan Karatsev at Queen’s
Norrie is through to the last eight at Queen’s Club for the first time.
-
WimbledonWimbledon to open its doors to the public and here is how you get tickets
The 2021 tournament is set to get under way on June 28 at the All England Club.
-
NewsAndy Murray receives Wimbledon wild card with preparations in full swing
Murray will play singles at the All England Club for the first time since 2017.
-
WimbledonAndy Murray gets Wimbledon wildcard as rising British star is also rewarded
Andy Murray has been announced as one of the initial recipients of a Wimbledon wild card, along with fellow Brit Jack Draper.
-
WimbledonWimbledon confirm Naomi Osaka has yet to withdraw from this year’s Championships
Wimbledon chiefs have confirmed that Naomi Osaka is still entered into the draw for this year’s Championships.
-
NewsAndy Murray braced for tough time watching Scotland game in all-English bubble
The former world number one will be with his coaching staff at Queen’s when the two countries face off at Euro 2020.
-
NewsAndy Murray preparing for a tough night when Scotland play England in Euro 2020
Andy Murray is fearing a “tough” experience when he watches Scotland’s Euro 2020 clash with England on Friday.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Judy Murray urges tennis chiefs to provide mental health aid to all players after Naomi Osaka incident
Judy Murray believes game should do more to support players.