In a gritty performance, Novak Djokovic managed to overturn a one-set deficit against a Serbian rival for the second consecutive day to reach the semi-finals of the Serbia Open. The world number one faced a steep climb in Belgrade, trailing by both a set and a break before narrowly avoiding an upset against Miomir Kecmanovic. After a slow start, Djokovic rallied to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-3, with the battle lasting two hours and 18 minutes.
World number 38 Miomir Kecmanovic began the match in peak form, posing a serious threat to the top seed. However, Djokovic eventually found his flow and utilized his superior experience to seize control. This victory extends Djokovic's winning streak against Serbian opponents to ten matches, improving his lifetime record against fellow countrymen to 27-4 and his performance on home soil to 36-6.
The top seed, who is aiming for his third Serbia Open crown, is set to face the third seed, Karen Khachanov, for a place in the final. Khachanov secured his semi-final berth with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Brazilian qualifier Thiago Monteiro. Expectations are high for Djokovic as he fights for what would be his fourth ATP Tour title in his home city.
This wasn't the first time Djokovic struggled this week; he also required three sets to get past Lazlo Djere in Wednesday's opening round. The Serbia Open marks only the third tournament of the season for Djokovic, who is currently preparing to defend his French Open title in Paris next month.
Kecmanovic dominated the first set so effectively that Djokovic never even had a chance to break serve. It wasn't until the first changeover, while trailing by a break, that Djokovic began to sharpen his baseline consistency and precision to bring the match back to level ground.
The 22-year-old Kecmanovic managed to seize the lead again early in the second set, breaking to make it 2-1. Djokovic responded immediately with a break of his own, regaining his footing in the match. The top seed eventually secured a pivotal break to lead 5-3, allowing him to serve out the set at 6-3 and force a deciding third frame.
Djokovic closed out the match decisively in the final game, securing his fourth break of the match with a pair of backhand winners. He dominated the end of the third set, winning the final four games while conceding only two points. Without facing a single breakpoint in the closing stages, Djokovic stayed strong to seal the victory.