Djokovic overcomes Khachanov to book spot in Roland-Garros semi-finals

Novak Djokovic defeated Karen Khachanov in four sets on Tuesday at Roland-Garros. Djokovic awaits either Carlos Alcaraz or Stefanos Tsitsipas.

6 June 2023

Djokovic at Roland-Garros 2023

Ricky Dimon

French Open 2023 Men's Singles •Quarter-final • completed

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N. DjokovicvsK. Khachanov

Novak Djokovic was tested again at Roland-Garros and lost a set for the first time, but he still managed to beat Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-6 (0), 6-2, 6-4 in the first quarter-final on Tuesday afternoon. Djokovic recovered from a slow start to raise his level in the second-set tiebreak and throughout the third and fourth sets, ultimately prevailing in three hours and 38 minutes.

The 36-year-old Serb gave back a break at 4-3 in the fourth with a double-fault, but he answered by breaking Khachanov at love for a 5-4 advantage. Djokovic then served out the match with ease.

🇷🇸 @DjokerNole picks up his 90th career #RolandGarros win!

The World No. 3 is back in the Semifinals with a 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-2, 6-4 win over Khachanov. pic.twitter.com/lr7P4N1YGJ
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) June 6, 2023

“I didn’t drop a set ’til today,” Djokovic reflected. “You know, (I have) pretty much played really good and dominant tennis. Then, of course, it’s expected. It’s always the end of the tournament [where you] have even bigger challenges and players that have possessed a great quality that can win a set or two off you, and that’s what happened today.

“So I take it as a really positive thing, and I will analyze my game from today with my team and be better prepared for the next one, because I definitely need to have a better start in the semis.”

Alcaraz or Tsitsipas up next for Djokovic

Speaking of the semis, Djokovic will face the winner Tuesday’s night-session quarter-final between top seed Carlos Alcaraz and 2021 French Open runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Djokovic previously got past Aleksandar Kovacevic (6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (1)), Hungarian Marton Fucsovics (7-6 (2), 6-0, 6-3), Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, the No 29 seed (7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 6-2) and Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas (6-3, 6-2, 6-2).

It was still a productive tournament for the 11th-ranked Khachanov, who defeated Frenchman Constant Lestienne (3-6, 1-6, 6-2, 6-1, 6-3), qualifier Radu Albot (6-3, 6-4, 6-2), Australian wildcard Thanasi Kokkinakis (6-4, 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (5)) and Italian Lorenzo Sonego (1-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7), 6-1).