Djokovic returns to Belgrade final, defeats Khachanov in incredible display

Serbia Open | Draw | Order of play

Novak Djokovic played two sets of the highest quality to beat Karen Khachanov and reach the Serbia Open final, winning 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

For the third time in three matches in Belgrade this week, Djokovic lost the first set and had to come from behind to secure victory.

Khachanov broke Djokovic in the first game of the match and kept his nose in front for the whole of the first set, but the 20-time Grand Slam champion hit back in style, rounding off the second set with an ace to force the decider, 6-1.

With the crowd behind him as well as the momentum, Djokovic continued to hammer the return, breaking Khachanov in the first game of the third set. He kept his level up and concluded the win in one hour and 58 minutes. Djokovic applauded his opponent off the court – perhaps aware that Khachanov was forcing him to bring out his best tennis.

He will now play Andrey Rublev for the title – one which he has won twice before, in 2009 and 2011.

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