2011 Australian Open: Serb Novak Djokovic to play Roger Federer in semi-finals
Seeded no. 3 at the 2011 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic of Serbia got the better of Czech Republic's Tomas Berdych in the quarter-final match played between the two, to advance in the championship. In a matter of 36 minutes, Djokovic took the first set 6-1,
following up with a 7-6 win in the second set and finally taking the deciding third set 6-1 to eliminate Berdych from the tournament. "Today has been a real test, because he [Berdych] is a very difficult opponent," said Novak.
Djokovic will face Roger Federer in the semi-finals of his draw. The defending champion made it through to the semis upon defeating compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka 6-1, 6-3 and 6-3, to make a place for himself in the following round.
Novak battled it out against the number 14 seed, Nicolas Almagro of Spain in the fourth round of the tournament. Almagro lost an embarrassing 3-6, 4-6 and 0-6 to be sent home. Meanwhile, Federer eliminated Spaniard Tommy Robredo, defeating him 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
and 6-2 in the fourth round match of his draw.
Djoko went head to head with compatriot Viktor Troicki in the third round. The professional took the first set 6-2, shortly after which Troicki retired as Nole advanced to the next round. Roger on the other hand, got rid of Belgian Xavier Malisse beating him
6-3, 6-3 and 6-1.
Earlier, Novak faced Croatian Ivan Dodig. The unseeded professional was beaten 7-5, 6-7, 6-0 and 6-2 to be knocked out of the tournament. Additionally, Djokovic played against Marcel Granollers of Spain, defeating him 6-1, 6-3 and 6-1 in his first round match.
Meanwhile, Federer played an arduous and crucial five set match against Gilles Simon of France. Simon was beaten 6-2, 6-3, 4-6, 4-6 and 6-3 to be eliminated from the 2011 Australian Open. Prior to facing Simon, Roger was opposed by Slovakia's Lukas Lacko, who
was beaten 6-1, 6-1 and 6-3.
Ahead of his match against the defending champion, Nole stated, "I have nothing to lose playing Federer, who's the title defender here. We all know everything about him. I have to believe in myself in order to win that match."
Tags: