The Open era started in 1968, and we have 12 players with 16 or more Major semi-finals. Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have pushed many Major records to the limits, achieving things that will take some beating in the future. Novak Djokovic checked his 16th season with a Major semi-final and joined his greatest opponents at the top. Federer played a Major semi-final in 18 consecutive seasons between 2003 and 2020, an incredible feat that should stay among his most notable accomplishments. Rafael Nadal remains on 16, starting from 2005 and missing a Major semi-final in 2015 and 2016. Rafa hopes to play injury-free in the rest of the season and seek his 17th year with a place in the last four at Majors. Novak’s first Major semi-final came in 2007, and he missed reaching the final four only in 2017. Djokovic did not have to wait too long to join Nadal on 16 seasons with a Major semi-final, achieving it already at the Australian Open.
The Serb returned to his most successful Major after missing it in 2022 and went all the way to secure the tenth title at Melbourne Park. Novak injured his left leg in Adelaide ahead of Melbourne and struggled greatly in the opening three rounds at Rod Laver Arena. Djokovic defeated Roberto Carballes Baena and had to dig deep against a qualifier Enzo Couacaud. The Frenchman claimed the second set in the tie break, and the Serb needed a medical timeout on his troubled leg. Still, Novak made a fresh start in the third set and stormed over his opponent to advance into the third round. Grigor Dimitrov challenged Djokovic in the opening set, missing his chances against the rival who played far from his best. Like in the previous match, Novak stayed focused and defeated a dangerous opponent in straight sets to preserve energy.
Novak Djokovic has reached a Major semi-final in 16 seasons.
With massive help from his team, Djokovic improved his physical shape and played injury-free against Alex de Minaur in the fourth round. The Serb left the Aussie behind in two hours and six minutes, playing at a high level and sending a clear message to his rivals. Andrey Rublev stood no chance against Novak in the quarter-final, with the Serb sealing the deal in just over two hours. Thus, Djokovic secured his 44th Major semi-final, almost 16 years after the first one. A first-time Major semi-finalist Tommy Paul fought well in the first set before losing ground and propelling Novak into his 33rd Major final. Djokovic faced Stefanos Tsitsipas and earned a 6-3, 7-6, 7-6 win in two hours and 56 minutes to celebrate his 22nd Major crown and match Rafael Nadal.
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