In the other match of the second day of the Red group, Stefanos Tsitsipas (3rd in the world) won a breathtaking match against Daniil Medvedev (5th) 6-3, 6-7 (11/13), 7-6 (7/1 ).

The Russian, winner of the Masters in 2020 and finalist last year, had already lost his first match, against his compatriot Rublev, and he is therefore eliminated.

For his part, Tsitsipas will qualify for the semi-finals on Friday against Rublev.

One hour and seven minutes were enough for Djokovic on Wednesday to overcome the resistance of his opponent who had nevertheless produced exceptional tennis to get rid of Medvedev on Monday.

"It's one of my best matches of the year, especially the second set which was really perfect", estimated the ex-N.1 who plays this tournament as 8th in the world due to a season truncated by his refusal of the anti-covid vaccine.

A refusal which notably cost him participation in the US Open in September and in January at the Australian Open from where he had been expelled with, in addition, a three-year ban on territory.

But on Wednesday, he confirmed having learned the day before that a visa would be granted to him to be able to go to Melbourne and try to win a tenth Australian Open in January 2023, synonymous with the 22nd Grand Slam title to equal Rafael's record. Nadal.

News in the form of "relief" which made him "very happy" and which probably gave a boost to his game.

"Why not?", he admitted, emphasizing all the same knowing what he had to "do to prepare for each of his matches".

To know, he knew: it only took him a few games to crack Rublev: from 4-4 in the first set, he lined up five games to come off a set at zero and 3-0 in the second set .

"A set"

Only one break point was conceded in the entire first set: by Rublev who committed an unforced error to offer a set point to Djokovic.

The Serb did not have to be asked and concluded with a winning return.

Russian Andrey Rublev (L) and Serbian Novak Djokovic after their meeting at the Masters on November 16, 2022 in Turin Marco BERTORELLO AFP

"I started the match very well, serving extremely well. I had a lot of free points on my first serve, and that helps against a player of Rublev's dynamism and quality", analyzed the + Djoker+.

By showing "more patience" than his opponent, he managed to win the first set.

He again took Rublev's service at the start of the second set, taking advantage of the Russian's nervousness and unrolled without forcing too much until the end, once again seizing the opposing service.

"The match only lasted one set because in the second I was completely burnt out," Rublev lamented.

As Djokovic welcomed it, the Russian insisted on the quality of the Serbian's service.

"He has a very high percentage (of first serves), he serves in all directions, he puts all the balls close to the lines... I hardly had a chance to do anything, even in the first set," admitted Rublev.

Having defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in his Red Group opener on Monday, the Serb is guaranteed a place in the last four regardless of his Friday result against Medvedev.

Djokovic is looking for a second major title this year after Wimbledon.

At 35, he will play his eleventh semi-final in fifteen participations in the tournament which brings together the eight best players of the season.

He is aiming for a sixth title to equal Roger Federer's record.

© 2022 AFP