Novak Djokovic has impressively underlined his role as favourite at the Australian Open. With his 26th consecutive victory in Melbourne, the 35-year-old easily reached the semi-finals. After defeating Russian Andrei Rublyov 6-1, 6-2, 6-4, Tommy Paul now awaits the Serb, who is aiming for his 22nd Grand Slam tournament win in Melbourne.

❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/cBm4vvdWvg

– Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 25, 2023

Special moment after the match: the “Djoker” gave his mother, who was sitting in the stands, a sixtieth birthday greeting. Melbourne and the Rod Laver Arena: an affair of the heart for the Serbian.

US American Paul had much more trouble in his 7-6 (8-6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 win over compatriot Ben Shelton, who had reached the quarter-finals in a complete surprise.

Bad omen for Paul (number 35 in the world rankings): Opponent Djokovic has won all his nine semi-finals in Melbourne.

Aryna Sabalenka reached the last four in Melbourne for the fourth time. The Belarusian won against Donna Vekic from Croatia 6:3 and 6:2.

There Sabalenka will meet the Polish tournament surprise Magda Linette. The 30-year-old won 6:3 and 7:5 against the favoured Czech Karolina Pliskova.

Heavy burden for Linette: Semi-final opponent Sabalenka is on a run and has not lost a set yet this year