Djokovic Clocks Khachanov In Dubai, Improves To 16-0 In 2020; Monfils Streaks To 12th Straight Win

Novak Djokovic continued his dominant form in Dubai on Thursday cruising past the dangerous Karen Khachanov 6-2, 6-2 in the quarterfinals.

The Serb stays perfect on the year at 16-0 and this week has lost just 11 games in six sets.

“I don’t know if I’m playing the best tennis of my career, that’s a big statement, but I’m feeling and playing well,” said Djokovic. “I like the conditions, but in windy conditions it’s not easy to serve and find rhythm. I know it wasn’t Karen’s day, but I think I played a very solid match. I’m trying to be in the present and execute my game plan.”

Up next will be arguably the second hottest player at the moment, Gael Monfils. After back-to-back February titles, the Frenchman won his 12th straight match 6-3, 6-3.

Djokovic has won all 16 meetings with Monfils.

2019 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas has to come from a set down to beatk Jan-Lennard Struff 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

“I had to give it my all,” the 21-year-old Tsitsipas said. “I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, as he’d beaten me a couple of times. I fought, I suffered on the court and I am really happy and proud to have kept the winning mindset and managed to get the break at the end.”

Dan Evans will now meet the Greek following a well-earned victory over Andrey Rublev 6-2, 7-6(9). Evans came from a break down in the second only the fail to serve it out at 5-4, but hung on in the breaker to reach his fourth career ATP semifinal.

“I made a mess of some of the match points, especially my service game at 5-4,” said Evans. “I just stayed in there and knew I’d get my chances. I’m very happy with the way I played. Staying calm is the key, also getting the right balance and being aggressive with my feet. I’m happy to come through and I’ll prepare for tomorrow.”

The two have never played before.