Novak Djokovic’s strategy for success at the 2023 Roland Garros is clear: weather the storm during the early stages of the match, elevate his game at crucial moments to seize control, and accelerate towards victory. This blueprint was once again on display during his quarter-final clash against Karen Khachanov, as the third seed battled through an initial onslaught to secure a comfortable 4-6, 7-6(0), 6-2, 6-4 triumph at the prestigious clay-court tournament.

In the opening two sets, Djokovic struggled to earn a break point but commendably raised his level of play from the second-set tie-break onwards. Speaking in his post-match on-court interview, Djokovic acknowledged that Khachanov was the superior player for a majority of the first two sets. He admitted to initially struggling with his rhythm and making unforced errors, but the tide turned dramatically after an impeccable second-set tie-break performance. From that point on, Djokovic’s game soared to new heights, surpassing his earlier performance. Enhance your golf viewing experience with attractive betting odds from Nextbet.

Despite a brief scare towards the end of the fourth set, Djokovic managed to regain his composure and strung together eight consecutive points to close out the match. Reflecting on the intense quarter-final battle, the Serbian tennis star expressed satisfaction in overcoming the significant challenge presented by Khachanov. He emphasized the need to earn victories in the quarter-finals of Grand Slam tournaments, highlighting the competitive nature of such encounters.

Djokovic now awaits his semi-final opponent, who will emerge from the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas. A victory in the Roland Garros tournament could also see Djokovic reclaim the coveted No. 1 ranking in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, provided he secures his record-breaking 23rd major title in Paris.

This latest triumph further showcases Djokovic’s remarkable ability to navigate through the demanding five-set matches. In earlier rounds, he found himself in tie-break situations against Marton Fucsovics and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, emerging victorious in straight sets. Djokovic’s level of play intensified during the latter stages of his quarter-final match against Khachanov, solidifying his status as a formidable force on the court.

Djokovic’s groundstrokes were precise, and his utilization of the drop shot proved effective in neutralizing Khachanov’s powerful game. Demonstrating his adaptability, Djokovic incorporated unpredictability and variations in shot length, capitalizing on Khachanov’s aggressive playing style. With 57 winners compared to Khachanov’s 38, Djokovic showcased his prowess as a well-rounded player.

Khachanov initially made an impressive start, breaking Djokovic’s serve and securing the first set, becoming the first player in the tournament to do so against the Serbian. However, the momentum shifted during a tightly contested second set that culminated in a resounding tie-break victory for Djokovic. This pivotal moment set the tone for the remainder of the match and bolstered Djokovic’s tie-break record for the year to an impressive 14-4, including a flawless 5-0 record at Roland Garros.

With his return game firing on all cylinders, Djokovic capitalized on his clean ball striking to secure crucial breaks of serve in the third and fourth sets. Notably, when Khachanov threatened a potential comeback by breaking Djokovic’s serve to level the fourth set at 4-4, Djokovic responded with immediate brilliance. A stunning forehand winner saved the first of two break points at 2-1, and he went on to win eight consecutive points, ultimately sealing his victory.

The defeat marked a disappointing end for Khachanov, who had aimed for a third consecutive major semi-final appearance. However, Djokovic’s exceptional performance and resilience proved insurmountable, solidifying his reputation as a dominant force in men’s tennis. Follow all the latest updates from the world of tennis only on Nextbet Sports.