Djokovic defeats Hurkacz to reach the Madrid Open semi-finals

MADRID – World number one Novak Djokovic beat Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 6-4 on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Madrid Open in his bid to win his fourth title in the Spanish capital.

Playing his usual fashion at Manolo Santana on a sunny day in Madrid, Djokovic continued to recover his high level ahead of the French Open, which begins later this month.

Djokovic, 34, did not play the quarter-finals after opponent Andy Murray withdrew due to illness, and Djokovic easily beat Hurkacz.

The Serbian quickly advanced 3-0 in the first set and decided it in his favor in 36 minutes and continued to press in the second set to break his opponent’s serve 3-2 to win in the end after an hour and 20 minutes of play.

Djokovic did not face a break point against Hurkacz, extending his perfect record against his Polish opponent to four wins without defeat.

Djokovic said: “In the first set we didn’t perform well as it took some time to adapt to the atmosphere, the performance improved in the second set and I started serving well and I’m happy with the way I got the points.”

Djokovic will meet the winner of the match between world number four Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, which will be held later on Friday, for a place in the final.

Djokovic said: “They are two of the best players this year because of their results, Rafa is doing very well and doesn’t seem to have anything to worry about. He’s close to getting his best form back, Carlos is playing well too. He’s enjoying a great time. Tough match.”