TheCable

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic has knocked Roger Federer out of the 2020 Australian Open semi final match at the Rod Laver Arena.

The seven time champion sailed into his eighth Australian finals, which is an all-time record for final appearance at the tournament.

The 32-year-old defending champion beat Federer in a three set 7-6, 6-4, 6-4.

🇷🇸 U-N-S-T-O-P-P-A-B-L-E 🇷🇸@DjokerNole def. Roger Federer for the 27th time 7-6(1) 6-4 6-3 to earn the chance to play for his 8️⃣th #AusOpen title 🏆#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/Hy7lu8AIHo

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— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 30, 2020

“The match could have definitely gone a different way if he has used those break points (in the sixth game),” he said.

“He started well, I was nervous. Respect to Roger for coming out tonight. He was obviously hurt and wasn’t close to this best in terms of movement.

“It wasn’t the right mindset at the beginning, because I was watching him and how he was moving early on, rather than executing my own shots. I managed to dig my way back and win the first set, which was obviously mentally important.”

Before the game against the world no.3, the Serbian had 26-23 head-to-head record against the Swiss, and has not lost to Federer in a major since Wimbledon 2012.

Djokovic will face the winner in the second semi final game between Alexander Zverez and Dominic Thiem for his 17th grand slam title on Sunday.

Earlier in the women’s semi finals, Spain’s Garbine Muguruza overcame Simona Halep 7-6, 7-5 to qualify for her first ever grand slam final.

Sofia Kenin of the USA also ended Ashleigh Barty, home girl’s dream of breaking the forty year drought at the final of the host country participation.