- Nine-time champion cruises to 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 win over No 5 seed
- Djokovic demolishes Russian opponent in just over two hours
Andrey Rublev is the sixth best tennis player in the world. He is hard-working and sincere, and with those qualities he has built a great career for himself at the top of his profession. At 25 years old, he is moving into his physical peak and he will be a factor at the top of the sport for many years to come.
Against the best, the very best, none of that means a thing. On Wednesday night, Rublev entered Novak Djokovic’s lair, night-time on Rod Laver Arena, and for two hours he stood helplessly on the baseline as the nine-time Australian Open champion tore him apart 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to return to the semi-finals.