Kazakhstan: Novak Djokovic will meet Daniil Medvedev in the Astana Open semi-final today. While Medvedev defeated Spain’s Roberto Bautista, Djokovic cruised past Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-3 to set up a clash against Medvedev.
In terms of head-to-head, Djokovic leads the Russian star with a 6-4 record. They haven’t met since the Paris final last November, when Djokovic won in three sets. “I thought about it before the (quarterfinal) and we have only played one tournament together this year, which was Roland Garros,” Medvedev said. “This is the second one and we meet again and I am really happy.”
Djokovic was prohibited from competing in Australia and North America due to his unvaccinated status. Despite the circumstances, however, he managed to add three titles to his collection with victories at the Italian Open, Wimbledon, and most recently at the Tel Aviv Open. He additionally finished as the runner-up in Belgrade. The Serb has a win-loss record of 31-6 this year.
The World No. 7 has continued his formidable form, entering Astana on the back of a title win in Tel Aviv. In the opening round, Djokovic outsmarted Chilean Cristian Garin with a 6-1, 6-1 victory. The 35-year-old faced Dutch Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round and saw him off with a 6-3, 6-1 win. In the quarterfinals, Djokovic defeated Russian Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-3 to enter the semifinals without dropping a set.
Similarly, Medvedev is yet to drop a set in the Kazakh capital. After a shock loss to Stan Wawrinka in his opening match at the Moselle Open, the Russian put on a series of flawless performances having dismissed Albert Ramos Vinolas 6-3, 6-1 in the opening round, Emil Ruusuvuori 6-3, 6-2 in the second round, and most recently Roberto Bautista Agut 6-1, 6-1 in the quarterfinals of the Astana Open.
With the victory, the 26-year-old registered his 40th win of the season against 14 losses.
