Novak Djokovic matches Rafael Nadal and moves closer to Roger Federer on Major record

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic is through to his ninth Australian Open final in the previous 13 years following a commanding 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 triumph over a qualifier Aslan Karatsev.

Novak will compete in his 28th Major final, reaching the first at the US Open 2007 and staying competitive for almost 15 years on the biggest tennis stage. Thus, Djokovic matched Rafael Nadal in second place, with two great rivals standing three Major finals behind Roger Federer, who tops the charts with 31.

Novak secured the 13th season with at least one Major final after a commanding victory over the Russian in under two hours, controlling the return games and ensuring six breaks from seven opportunities to seal the deal and achieve another milestone. The Serb hit 30 winners and 14 unforced errors, overwhelming Karatsev in the shortest and mid-range rallies to set the title match against Daniil Medvedev.

Novak won 12 of the last 13 points in the opening set for 6-3 after 35 minutes. From 5-1 down in set number two, Karatsev moved back to 4-5 and created more break chances that Djokovic saved to bring the set home. They traded early breaks in set number three before Djokovic scored two more to race over the top and advance into the final.

31 - Roger Federer
28 - Novak Djokovic
28 - Rafael Nadal
19 - Ivan Lendl
18 - Pete Sampras
16 - Bjorn Borg