Djokovic Survives Khachanov Scare, Reaches Semis
Novak Djokovic survived a quarter-final scare from Karen Khachanov to keep his bid for a record 23rd men’s Grand Slam singles title alive at the French Open.
Djokovic was in danger of falling two sets behind against the Russian but prevailed 4-6 7-6 (7-0) 6-2 6-4.
He could become the first man to win all four majors at least three times.
Djokovic’s win sets up a potential semi-final with world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who faces Stefanos Tsitsipas in Tuesday’s night session (19:15 BST).
The Serb had not dropped a set all tournament on the Paris clay but Khachanov provided the test he arguably needed to prepare him for either Alcaraz or Tsitsipas in the last four.
Having faced seven break points – saving six of them – in losing the opening set, Djokovic tightened up his service game for the majority of the match thereon.
And while the 36-year-old was kept on court for three hours and 43 minutes, the outcome never really looked in doubt once he comprehensively won the second-set tie-break.
