Novak Djokovic reached his first final of the year at the Serbia Open yesterday after recovering from a set down to beat Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-1 6-2 and described his home support as “phenomenal”. The world number one will face another Russian, Andrey Rublev, who defeated Fabio Fognini 6-2, 6-2, as he bids for a third Belgrade crown, and the 87th title of his career.
“As soon as the second set started I was just feeling the ball, particularly the backhand which was not working in the first set,” said Djokovic.
“The second and third sets were the best two sets of the season for me. I used the crowd energy which was phenomenal, probably the best atmosphere that I played in my entire life.”
For the third match in a row, Djokovic dropped the first set after losing his serve in the opening game, but the Serb stepped up his level in the second and third sets. Djokovic beat the 26th-ranked Khachanov for the fifth straight meeting and sixth time in seven matches.
“To be honest with you in the second set, I don’t know how he does it, but sometimes he switches the mode and starts to play like a new match. I tried to have answers to that but today I couldn’t,” he said.
The Belgrade event is only Djokovic’s third of 2022. He was deported from Melbourne - and denied the chance to defend his Australian Open title - after he entered the country unvaccinated.
He was also barred from playing at the Indian Wells and Miami Masters over his controversial Covid-19 stance. The 34-year-old made the last eight in Dubai in February and then lost his opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters last week.

‘Born to fight’ Swiatek sets final against Sabalenka
World number one Iga Swiatek said she was “born to fight” after battling past Liudmila Samsonova yesterday to seal a 22nd consecutive win and book her place in the Stuttgart final.
After just over three hours, Swiatek converted her first match point having broken Samsonova’s service three times in the final set to claim a 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-5 win. It was an impressive fightback by the 20-year-old who punched the air in delight after winning the final point.
“I honestly hate losing and you just don’t want to give up. Players like me are born to fight,” said an elated Swiatek who has now reached four finals in succession having won titles in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami.
Today, she faces Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier reached the final for the second year running with a straight sets win over Paula Badosa.
“There isn’t much time to recover, but physically I am ready, so I am just going to go for it,” Swiatek said.
Sabalenka came out on top of a hard-fought battle for the first set, then turned up the pressure in the second to seal a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 victory.
“It was a tough match and she is the toughest opponent,” said Sabalenka. “I tried to just stay in the first set and get the break back,” she added, referring to the opening set which was eventually settled by a tie breaker. I am super happy with the result,” she said.