Dubai Open: Djokovic downs Hurkacz to reach semis, maintains unbeaten start to the season

Serb Novak Djokovic, the top seed, moved into the semi-finals of the Dubai Open by beating Pole Hubert Hurkacz, the No 5 seed, 6-3, 7-5 at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre on Thursday evening.

The world No 1 and Australian Open champion, began well and then broke serve in the 11th game of the second set before wrapping up his 15th win from 15 matches this year, extending his win streak to 20 matches, dating back to last year’s ATP Finals.

The Serb will face the winner of the match between former world No 1 Daniil Medvedev, the No 3 seed, and Croat Borna Coric, the No 8 seed.

“He plays his best tennis on quick surfaces,” Djokovic said of Hurkacz. “He has got one of the best, most lethal serves on the tour. When he’s in the rhythm, like he was for most of the second set today, it’s very difficult to return his serve or get in the rally. He was going really quickly through his service games.

“Luckily for me I think I also found the good rhythm on my serve, as well. Just waiting patiently for the opportunities. When they were presented, I used them. A couple of break points that I missed in that 11th game, but finally I did play a great point on break point, down-the-line backhand.

“Yeah, overall very pleased with the under-pressure moments and how I’m feeling each single day. I’m feeling better and better striking the ball and also physically on the court.”

The 35-year-old Serb edged out Czech qualifier Tomas Machac (6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (1)) and won against Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor (6-2, 6-3) ahead of his victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Hurkacz, ranked No 11, edged out Russian lucky loser Alexander Shevchenko (3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7)) and defeated Russian qualifier Pavel Kotov (7-5, 6-1).

Dubai ATP500, other quarter-finals results (Aviation Club Tennis Centre, hard, USD 2.855.495, most recent results first):

• Daniil Medvedev vs. Borna Coric
• Andrey Rublev (2) beat Botic van de Zandschulp: 6-3, 7-6 (3)
• Alexander Zverev (7) beat Lorenzo Sonego: 7-5, 6-4