news Australian Open: Novak Djokovic thrashes Andrey Rublev to book Tommy Paul semi-final in Melbourne | Tennis news

Novak Djokovic delivered another masterclass at the Australian Open to thump fifth seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets and ease into the semi-finals.Djokovic eased to a 6-1 6-2 6-4

triumph in Melbourne, where he is bidding for a record-extending 10th crown and 22nd Grand Slam title, to set up a last-four meeting with American Tommy Paul. Djokovic targeted

Rublev's forehand and second serve with venomous returns in windy conditions on Rod Laver Arena and went ahead 3-1 in the first set after the Russian fifth seed double-faulted on

break point and the Serbian pulled away from there. Picture: Novak Djokovic will face Tommy Paul on Friday After taking the lead in the match with a brilliant backhand crosscourt

winner, Djokovic showed how hard he is to beat on the grandest stage despite a strapped thigh due to a hamstring issue after the fourth seed broke in the fifth game of the second

set.He played exquisitely to save a break point in the next game and let out a huge roar before going on to double his advantage in the contest after a frustrated Rublev unloaded

on his coach in the stands following another double fault. Rublev vs. Djokovic: Tale of the Tape Rublev Game Stats Djokovic 6 aces 14 3 Double Faults 5 61% 1st serve win percentage

80% 32% 2nd serve win percentage 50% 0/5 Break points won 5/14 6/9 Net points won 11/15 26 Total winners 32 29 Unforced errors 21 75 Total Points Won 105 Djokovic pounced early in

the next set with Rublev appearing bereft of ideas and a seventh quarter-final defeat at a major looming, as the former No 1 closed out a convincing win on serve. "I cannot be

happy with my tennis," Djokovic said. "I've been playing very solid. I love playing in these conditions, on this court. Overall I think the scoreline in the first two sets doesn't

speak the truth of the match. Picture: Novak Djokovic praised Andrey Rublev's performance after his straight-sets win "Andrey [Rublev] is a great player. All the important moments

and the important shots, I found my best tennis, so that's what I'm most pleased about tonight."The latest success is his 26th consecutive victory at the Australian Open, equaling

the record of former coach Andre Agassi. Djokovic is unbeaten at Melbourne Park since 2018 - part of a 39-match winning run in Australia - and has now matched the sequence of

victories of Agassi between 2000 and 2004. Paul downs Shelton in all-American showdownTommy Paul became the first American man to reach the Australian Open semi-finals since Andy

Roddick in 2009 after outclassing compatriot Ben Shelton 7-6(8-6) 6-3 5-7 6-4 earlier on Wednesday.Paul held his nerve in the big points and stood up well to his 20-year-old