Novak Djokovic seals 999th career win in a classic against Felix Auger-Aliassime to progress to Italian Open semi-finals

Novak Djokovic is through to the Italian Open semi-finals after a thrilling 7-5 7-6(1) win over Felix Auger-Aliassime. Djokovic was relatively untroubled as he pursues a sixth Rome title, producing one of his best performances in 2022 to record a stylish 999th career win. Ad/> The straight-sets masterclass from the 20-time Grand Slam winner, in what was arguably the best match of the clay season so far, means he will play Norway's Casper Ruud in Saturday's semi-final.

Roland-GarrosWhen is 2022 French Open? When is the draw? What's the schedule?14 HOURS AGO «I thought I could have finished the job [against Auger-Aliassime] earlier,» Djokovic said on-court afterwards. «I was a set and 5-2 up and was serving for the match, but credit to him for fighting back. Amazing atmosphere as well tonight.» On facing Ruud next, Djokovic said: «Great quality opponent.

A clay-court specialist, but he has improved a lot on other surfaces and played in the final at Miami this year. »A very hard worker, nice guy. We practice a lot and get on well off the court.

Tomorrow on the court we want to win against each other no doubt." /> After a tight opening to the first set, Djokovic thought he got a breakthrough in the eighth game, breaking the Auger-Aliassime serve when the Canadian fired a forehand long after a lengthy rally. But Auger-Aliassime fought back immediately to get the tie on serve after Djokovic miscontrolled a backhand. Both players engaged in a high-quality baseline battle, but Djokovic snatched the set on Auger Aliassime's serve thanks to a violent cross-court winner.