Gravel in the eyes but not in the tennis machinery

Raonic had impressed in Australia before this meeting. The Canadian, born in Montenegro, had not lost a single servegame. But that was before he was pitted against the Serbian tennis machine Djokovic.

- It felt perfect in the first set. I felt confident in the service and the returns, said a satisfied Djokovic, who is now in his 37th Grand Slam semi-final.

Djokovic's only problem in the match was his contact lenses. During a couple of games in the third set, he dropped the game. The explanation was simple. His eyes were dirty and had to go off plane and change lenses.

- I apologize to Milos and to the audience. It was not a tactical move but I just had to do it, change to new lenses, Djokovic said afterwards.

Now a giant meeting awaits in the semi-finals, a classic against Roger Federer. It will be the 50th meeting of the players in between. Djokovic has a superior score of 29 wins against Federers 23.

- Let the best win. I have great respect for Roger, the meetings with him and Rafa have made me the player I am, says Djokovic about the semi-finals.

- I'm impressed with how Roger played today. We've seen him do that before (the Swiss saved seven match balls in his semi-final) and that's what makes him the player he is.

Over the past 24 hours, many big sports names have had to comment on basketball player Kobe Bryant's tragic passing. So, too, Djokovic, who got tears in his eyes when he told John McEnroe about the loss of a friend.

- He was one of the best of all time. He inspired me and many others around the world. I had a personal contact with him, he was my mentor and friend. It is heartbreaking what has happened to him and his daughter.