Djokovic advances to semifinals in Madrid

Novak Djokovic eased to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Hubert Hurkacz on Friday as he superior to the semifinals of the Madrid Open the place he faces a tricky Spanish take a look at.

Djokovic, a three-time champion in Madrid, had little bother on the out of doors clay towards Hurkacz, whose poor hitting ended any ideas of a quarterfinal upset.

Rafael Nadal performed Carlos Alcaraz later Friday on heart court docket on the “Caja Mágica” with followers eager to see two generations of Spanish tennis face off. Nadal, who at 35 has gained a report 21 Grand Slam titles, will meet the 19-year-old Alcaraz touted by many in Spain as his potential successor.

Nadal, who has gained their earlier two matches, stated Alcaraz was favourite to win as he’s in higher form. Nadal is getting back from a six-week damage layoff and admitted that he couldn’t put together correctly for the event, along with his concentrate on the French Open later this month.

Rock stable 🙌

Three-time Madrid champ @DjokerNole powers previous Hubert Hurkacz, 6-3 6-4. #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/xe3wazsYGv

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) May 6, 2022

Nadal needed to save 4 match factors in his three-set win over David Goffin within the third spherical.

Speaking in Spanish, the top-seeded Djokovic stated he might be watching Nadal play Alcaraz.

“(I will be) more relaxed because I won today, but one thing is sure: tomorrow I will face a Spanish rival,” Djokovic stated.

Djokovic took benefit of Hurkacz’s gradual begin and took a 3-0 lead after the Polish participant ceded his first service recreation by hitting lengthy.

Another spate of unforced errors value Hurkacz a second-set break when he smacked a forehand lengthy. Djokovic’s dominance was by no means unsure and he gained on his fourth match level.

Djokovic beat Gael Monfils in straight units to start out the event. He then had a walkover after Andy Murray withdrew earlier than their match on Thursday.