Novak Djokovic claimed the two hundredth indoor win of his profession as he beat Nuno Borges 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 to achieve the Athens Open semi-finals.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion did not take three break level alternatives within the opening set however upped his stage to comfortably transfer forward in tiebreak.
Djokovic, who’s making ready for subsequent week’s ATP Finals, then sealed the one break of the match halfway by way of the second set to earn a last-four berth in opposition to German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann on Friday.
“It was a very physical battle. I thought Nuno played a high level,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I used to be a bit stunned with how good he performed. I believe we went toe to toe, a lot of the match. Just some factors determined the winner tonight and he deserves a spherical of applause for his efficiency.
“I played a great tie-break in the first set. Not too many opportunities for both of us to break the serve of the other guy. That game was the only game I was able to break him.”
Additionally by way of to the final 4 in Athens is second seed Lorenzo Musetti, who must win the match to seal a spot at subsequent week’s season-ending occasion for the top-eight ranked gamers.
Italy’s Musetti beat France’s Alexandre Muller 6-2 6-4 to arrange a last-four assembly with American Sebastian Korda.
Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime would drop out of the highest eight ought to Musetti triumph.
The draw for the occasion was made on Thursday, with Djokovic touchdown the Jimmy Connors Group alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur.
Defending champion Jannik Sinner headlines the Bjorn Borg Group, with Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton confirmed to face the Italian.
Norrie reaches Metz semis
Britain’s Cameron Norrie got here from behind in opposition to house hope Kyrian Jacquet to seal his place within the semi-finals of the Metz Open with a 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory.
Norrie misplaced the opener and needed to save a break level at 4-4 within the second set earlier than dominating a tiebreak to attract stage.
The Brit as soon as extra needed to save a break level early within the third set earlier than placing on his opponent’s supply to take a 5-4 lead within the decider after which comfortably serving it out.
“He surprised me a lot,” mentioned Norrie, who will face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego on Friday.
“He was mixing it up really well. A lot of slicing, then really aggressive at moments. His serve is really, really good.
“The French have so many good gamers, so many alternative sorts of gamers. I actually favored the best way he competed and he might have simply gained the match within the second set as effectively, however I managed to remain robust.”
Norrie, who reached the final in Metz last year, is seeking a first tour-level title since he triumphed in 2023 in Rio de Janeiro.
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