Virat Kohli Cheers For Roger Federer But Novak Djokovic Proves Too Good in Australian Open Semis
Virat Kohli, India Test captain, cheered for Roger Federer during his Australian Open semifinal against Novak Djokovic. But the Serb world No. 1 proved to be too strong as he defeated the Swiss great 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 and charged into a fifth successive Grand Slam final.
Champion Novak Djokovic foiled a stirring fightback from Roger Federer to defeat the Swiss 6-1, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 at the Australian Open on Thursday and charge into a fifth successive Grand Slam final. (Novak Djokovic Demolishes Roger Federer to Enter Sixth Australian Open Final)
Storming to a two-set lead within an hour, Djokovic appeared destined to complete a stinging humiliation but the net-rushing Federer responded brilliantly in the third as a partisan crowd roared him on at a flood-lit Rod Laver Arena. Also turning up to support Federer were Indian cricket stars Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh. Kohli is a big fan of tennis and Federer in particular. He even co-owns International Premier Tennis League's (IPTL) UAE Royals franchise, which has Federer as its 'icon' player. (Highlights)
At the Australian Open Semi Final with @YUVSTRONG12 paa Cannot get better than this. Come on @rogerfederer #FedvsDJO pic.twitter.com/OfP4jvphIu
- Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 28, 2016
"I played unbelievable in the first two sets, but that's what's necessary against Roger. He's been playing so well, I knew he'd try and be aggressive. But I executed perfectly, and after those first two sets it was a battle in the end," Djokovic told Jim Courier in a post-match chat on court.
In a tense fourth set, Djokovic broke Federer in the eighth game and served out the match to love in two hours and 19 minutes.
Asked about the fourth-round struggle against Gilles Simon, Djokovic said: "In most Slams I've won, I've had at least one very tough match, and the match against Simon made me focus on what I need to do better. At the end of the day, you need to make sure your convictions are stronger than your doubts.
"At the moment I'm at the peak of my career, and am enjoying it at the moment."
The world number one will bid for a record sixth title at Melbourne Park in the professional era, and will meet the winner of second seed Andy Murray and 13th seed Milos Raonic who play in the second semi-final on Friday.
"I'm expecting the unexpected. It will be a great match. Milos has improved a lot in the off-season and is feeling confident. On the other hand, Murray is a great quality player. Either way I'm looking forward to some rest time over the next couple of days."