Australian Open 2020: Emotional Novak Djokovic units up epic semi-final conflict with Roger Federer (VIDEO)

Reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic comfortably defeated outmatched Milos Raonic within the quarter-finals because the Serbian star arrange a mouth-watering conflict with outdated rival Roger Federer within the semis.

Djokovic defeated Canadian Raonic 6-Four, 6-Three, 7-6 to safe a cushty win in a efficiency that supplied a stark distinction to that of his semi-final opponent Federer, who needed to battle again from the brink to defeat unfancied Tennys Sandgren, who had seven match-point alternatives towards the Swiss ace.

Now two of the largest stars in tennis will face off in Thursday’s semi-final, with the Australian followers hopeful of a match to doubtlessly rival the pair’s epic conflict within the Wimbedon ultimate six months in the past.

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“I hope I get to a minimum of one match level in a couple of days,” joked Djokovic after his victory over Raonic.

“Clearly (I’ve) large respect for Roger, all the things he has achieved within the sport (he is) undoubtedly one of many all-time greats.

“Let the higher participant win.”

Djokovic was so snug throughout his victory that the one subject he skilled was along with his contact lenses as he struggled in the course of the latter levels of the competition. Such was the issue, he needed to name an damage timeout to get a contemporary pair from his gamers’ field earlier than he might proceed.

It was an undesirable interruption, and one which Djokovic apologized for after the match.

“I need to apologise to Milos as soon as once more,” he stated.

“It was not intentional or tactical – it was simply one thing that I needed to do as a result of these few video games I might not likely see a lot and I needed to change my lenses.”

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Regardless of the discomfort, Djokovic held his nerve to win the match with ease, however his metal facade began to crack when he paid tribute to the late NBA star Kobe Bryant, who tragically died in a helicopter accident alongside along with his 13-year-old daughter and 7 different passengers on the weekend.

“Kobe was one of many biggest athletes of all time and impressed me and lots of different folks around the globe,” stated Djokovic, whose tracksuit high had the initials KB stitched into it.

“I had that fortune to have a private relationship with him over the past 10 years and once I wanted some recommendation and a few help he was there for me.

“He was my mentor, my good friend and it is simply heart-breaking to see and listen to what has occurred to him and his daughter.”

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