BELGRADE/STARNBERG, April 22, 2022

The top three seeds of the Serbia Open have reached the semi-finals of the ATP 250 clay-court tournament in Belgrade led by Novak Djokovic. The World No. 1 secured a hard-fought 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory over fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic on Thursday. For the second straight day, Djokovic came from a set and a break down to defeat a countryman, after doing the same against Laslo Djere in his opening match.

“Generally I felt better than I did yesterday,” the 34-year-old said. “Even though I was a set and a break down I felt game-wise that I took it up a level or two.”

Defending Serbia Open champion Djokovic, who met his fans at the Novak Tennis Center on Friday, will next take on No. 3 seed Karen Khachanov of Russia.

In Friday’s quarterfinal action, Andrey Rublev defeated Japanese qualifier Taro Daniel 6-3, 6-3. The second-seeded Russian saved the only break point he faced and capitalized on three of his own seven break-point chances to succeed after one hour and 14 minutes.

Stormin’ through to the Belgrade semi-finals! @AndreyRublev97 defeats Daniel 6-3 6-3 for his 21st victory in 2022.

The World No.8 will meet Fognini in the last four.#SerbiaOpen pic.twitter.com/95MYJGo7fZ

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) April 22, 2022

Rublev will play No. 6 seed Fabio Fognini in the stage of the last four. The 34-year-old Italian ended the run of Oscar Otte from Germany, who appeared in his first quarterfinal at the ATP Tour, winning 7-5, 6-4. Fognini prevailed after one hour and 44 minutes.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Rublev of the Fognini clash. “Fabi, he’s super talented, he can play amazing and it’s going to be a tough match with a lot of long rallies, so I just need to do my best and we will see what happens.”