World No 1 Novak Djokovic won 6-3 6-4 6-2 over 114th seed Aslan Karatsev in the semi-final to book a place for him in the final of the Australian Open 2021 on Thursday. Karatsev fought hard but Djokovic showed his class as he cruised to yet another final at Melbourne Park. Djokovic became the first finalist and now he will wait for the winner of Daniil Medvedev-Stefanos Tsitsipas.

The 33-year old Serb will start favourites against whoever makes the summit clash. None of them have won a Grand Slam in the past.

Djokovic had his fair share of struggles with his injuries in the first week, but now he seems to have recovered.

“This is the best I have felt in the entire tournament. It felt great, I could swing through the ball and no pain,” he said.

“It was my best match so far and came at the right time. I’m thrilled.”

Asked what he has learned, Karatsev said: “That I can play with everyone. To be there and to compete with everyone.

“It was a great two weeks for me and to play against Novak, it helps me to get this experience, to feel the game, the way how he’s playing.

“I’ll get this confidence and just keep playing, keep practising.”