Novak Djokovic beats game Tallon Griekspoor to book Geneva Open semi-final clash with Tomas Machac
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Updated 23/05/2024 at 21:39 GMT
Novak Djokovic beat a very game Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets (7-5 6-1) in the Geneva Open quarter-final on Thursday to book his place in the semi-final. The French Open champion will begin his title defence against French wildcard Pierre-Hugues Herbert on May 26. But until then, the Serb will face Tomas Machac in the semi-finals on the clay in Geneva.
Highlights: Djokovic holds off Griekspoor to reach semis in Geneva
Novak Djokovic won in the Geneva Open quarter-final on Thursday, seeing off Tallon Griekspoor in straight sets (7-5 6-1).
Djokovic will face Tomas Machac in the semi-finals, who beat American Alex Michelsen to progress to this stage.
The Serbian had a clear advantage over 27th-ranked Griekspoor on the clay court as the match wore on, with his opponent's fatigue setting in.
The Serbian had a clear advantage over 27th-ranked Griekspoor on the clay court as the match wore on, with his opponent's fatigue setting in.
The Dutchman had to finish his third-round match with Denis Shapovalov earlier in the day after it was called off because of rain on Wednesday.
Despite that, Griekspoor opened well, taking the first game without giving the Serbian a chance.
They traded the next few games, with Griekspoor’s confident serving and ripping backhands causing Djokovic issues.
Griekspoor’s power saw him take control of the first set with the score at 4-5 to the 27-year-old, with Djokovic clearly still not comfortable.
But his experience began to shine as Djokovic saved four set points at 4-5 and Griekspoor gave up three double faults, giving Djokovic three break balls. He clinched the remaining games to take the first set 7-5.
After Griekspoor had gone to 4-5 in the first set, Djokovic remarkably won nine of the next 10 games.
He swept the first four games of the second set with trademark confidence and was looking fully like one of the favourites for the French Open.
The mistakes that crept into Griekspoor's game at the climax of the first set were becoming more prevalent in the second.
He gave up more double faults and shot long as he began to look tired.
Two double faults in the final game from Griekspoor closed it out for Djokovic, and he took the second set 6-1.
Djokovic, who will begin his title defence against French qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert at the French Open, advances to face young Czech player Tomas Machac in the semi-final on Friday.
"I thought that the first set could have gone his way easily because I think he was the better player for most of the first set," Djokovic said after the win.
"I was lucky to find some really good serves and from that moment onwards really played some good solid tennis. The second set was really good."
"I was lucky to find some really good serves and from that moment onwards really played some good solid tennis. The second set was really good."
ruud claims final last four spot
Casper Ruud will join Djokovic and Machac in the semi-final after he edged out Argentina’s Sebastian Baez 6-3 3-6 6-4 on Thursday.
The Norwegian, ranked No. 7, faces Italian Flavio Cobolli next, a step away from the final and a possible match-up with Djokovic.
Second seed Ruud, who won the Geneva trophy in 2021 and 2022, survived the two-hour clash with Baez who took him all the way to the third set.
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Ruud overcomes Baez test to reach semis in Geneva
It was thanks to a double fault from the Argentine at the end that sent Ruud through to the last four.
“It was a very close match in the end, back-and-forth, back-and-forth,” said Ruud.
“Very happy to be through. Back in the semi-finals here in Geneva is a great feeling.”
The 25-year-old is aiming to become the first three-time champion in tournament history.
You can watch every day of the 2024 French Open live and on-demand on discovery+.
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