French Open: Novak Djokovic Recovers From Slow Start To Beat Karen Khachanov

 

Novak Djokovic shrugged off a slow start to beat South African opponent, Karen Khachanov and progressed to Garros Roland semi-finals. 

Going into the match, Djokovic had in his previous match surpassed the previous record for most quarterfinals appearances (17) set by Rafael Nadal after defeating Juan Pablo Varillas in the fourth round. 

The third seed rallied from behind to claim the victory in four sets 4-6 7-6(7) 6-2 6-4 as Khachanov waned in strength. 

Khachanov enjoyed a great start in the quarterfinals and denied Djokovic all three break advantages while he converted one of his and moved ahead for a set lead. 

It was not until the third set, Djokovic won first break and continued with a breeze through the third set. Meanwhile, Khachanov really got Djokovic on his toes in the second set but the third seed held on and swept through a tie-break for a set point. 

"I was struggling to find my rhythm, I came into this a bit sluggish. Then, I played a perfect tie-break," said Djokovic. 

The decider was yet another good starting off for Djokovic breaking twice to take a 2-1 lead but later double faulted to let his opponent level at 4-4. He soon recovered and won his only break of the set before serving to win the match. 

Winning the quarterfinals was essential for Djokovic who is vying for his 23rd Grand Slam - a record men's all-time biggest - and will meet top seed and world number one Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals.