Djokovic eases into semis at Raonic’s expense
ByReuters
Updated 03/06/2014 at 19:38 GMT
Novak Djokovic proved too hot to handle for Canadian outsider Milos Raonic as the Serb qualified for the French Open semi-finals for the sixth time with a clinical 7-5 7-6 (5) 6-4 victory on Tuesday.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns the ball to Milos Raonic of Canada during their men's quarter-final match at the French Open (Reuters)
Image credit: Reuters
The world number two, chasing the only grand slam title to elude him, next meets 18th-seeded Latvian Ernests Gulbis.
A couple of double faults in the 11th game put Raonic under pressure and Djokovic took full advantage, grabbing the opening set after unsettling his opponent with a dipping backhand.
The Serb, who now has a 3-0 record against Raonic, then took the second-set tiebreak when his rival missed a backhand.
The Canadian trailed 4-0 in the third set before retrieving one of the two breaks of serve.
Djokovic, however, ended the contest on his first match point when Raonic, the first Canadian male to reach the last eight of a grand slam in the professional era, sent a forehand wide.
"It is complicated to play against him because he has a great serve, powerful and accurate, difficult to anticipate," said Djokovic in a courtside interview.
"It was important to be mentally strong and consistent."
The world number two, who has only reached the final here once before when he lost to eight-times champion Rafa Nadal in 2012, dropped his serve just once, in the final set when victory was virtually assured.
Gulbis followed up his surprise win over Roger Federer in the last 16 by knocking out sixth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych in straight sets on Tuesday.
"He is a very good player and to beat Roger and Berdych is impressive," said Djokovic. "He has been playing his best tennis, it will be difficult for me."
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