Novak Djokovic has edged one step closer to an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title after beating Taylor Fritz in a marathon quarter final as he outlasted the American 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3.
The Serbian wasn't at his brilliant best on Rod Laver Arena as he often cut a frustrated figure and managed to convert just four of 21 break points throughout the clash. But when it mattered most, Djokovic kicked into gear like he always seems to do and powered past the gutsy 12th seed.
Novak Djokovic advances into yet another Australian Open semi final after win over Taylor Fritz
It took over 15 minutes for Fritz to claim the opening game on his serve in an ominous sign for the battle that was to come.
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At 5-4 on Djokovic’s serve, Fritz had already saved eight break points while he was operating at just a touch over 50 per cent on his first serve.
In the physical battle, which had descended on the opening set, Fritz managed to poke his nose in front at 6-5 before claiming two set points against serve.
They were the first break points the Serbian had faced, yet he struck a backhand winner close to the net to save the first before dishing up an ace much to Fritz’s frustration.
In the tiebreak, Djokovic established a dominant 4-0 lead as his first serve did all the damage.
In a 21-shot rally, the Serb executed an inch perfect passing shot past the despairing American as he put his finger to his ear to lap up the applause of the Melbourne crowd.
The longest first set of the tournament - clocking in at 84 minutes - was finally decided with Djokovic taking it out.
A rare double fault in his first service game of the second handed Fritz a break point, but he hit long and seemed set to miss out on another valuable opportunity.
However, the American finally earned another break point and converted before consolidating with a quick hold.
The 10-time Aussie Open champion responded with a chance to break for the 11th time in the match at 2-2.
But the big-hitting Fritz repelled him again as Djokovic returned to his chair and engaged with the umpire to complain about the use of the arena’s lights.
"They’re so strong," he said. "Is it really necessary? I can see fine."
The match marked the second time in a row Djokovic had been bumped from his preferred prime-time night slot and he appeared out of sorts as Fritz claimed the second set.
Djokovic was 0/15 for break points but finally managed to secure his first one of the match at the start of the third set with a blistering forehand winner after running Fritz ragged from the baseline.
The 12th seed suddenly appeared to be hampered by a foot complaint and Djokovic smelled blood as he cruised to a 6-2 win.
"This is what he does, it’s a slow death out there," John Millman said in commentary as Djokovic then bagged a break in the fourth to make it 4-2.
"He has entered into lockdown mode and when Novak does that, it’s like jail for Taylor Fritz – he can’t get out."
And so it proved, with Djokovic easing to victory in 3 hours and 45 minutes to extend his perfect record against Fritz to 9-0.
The world no.1 progressing through to the 48th Grand Slam semi final appearance of his illustrious career in the process.
Who will Novak Djokovic play in the Australian Open semi final?
Djokovic will face the winner of the quarter final between Andrey Rublev and Jannik Sinner, with a two-day break scheduled for the semi which will be played on Friday, January 26.