Novak Djokovic topples Miomir Kecmanovic to reach Serbia Open last four

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic reached the semi-final at the home Serbia Open following a commanding 6-1, 6-3 triumph over the young compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in 75 minutes.

Novak saved all three break chances in the opening set and scored two breaks that carried him ahead. World no. 1 secured the opening game with a lob winner and broke Miomir in the next game when the younger Serb netted a forehand. Sailing through those initial games, Djokovic placed a volley winner to open a 3-0 gap, taking 12 of the first 14 points for complete domination. Kecmanovic landed a beautiful backhand down the line winner in the fourth game to get his name on the scoreboard and created a break chance a few minutes later following Novak's loose drop shot.

The two-time champion got out of jail with a forehand down the line winner and held with a service winner for a 4-1 advantage. Djokovic grabbed a break at love in game six with a return winner and wasted four set points on serve in the next one. Miomir earned two break opportunities but couldn't convert any, with Novak sealing the set thanks to an unreturned serve after half an hour. Eager to finish the job in no time, Djokovic kicked off the second set with a backhand crosscourt winner, creating an early advantage and cementing it with a service winner in game two.

Kecmanovic landed a forehand winner in the third game to reduce the deficit before Djokovic hit a similar shot to bring the fourth game home and move 3-1 in front. The youngster fired another forehand winner in game five to remain within one break deficit and cracked a backhand down the line winner in the next one for a break chance. Novak denied it with a forehand winner and brought the game home with two service winners for a 4-2 lead.

Serving in game seven, Miomir defended a break chance with a perfect drop shot winner before Djokovic secured a break on his fourth opportunity that moved him closer to the finish line. Serving for the victory, Novak sprayed a forehand error to offer his rival a break chance and hit another loose forehand to get broken for the first time. Recovering instantly, Djokovic landed a volley winner in game nine for another break and a place in the semis.