World number two Novak Djokovic is now just two matches away from achieving a rare career Grand Slam. The Serbian reached the Roland Garros semifinal after defeating Milos Raonic of Canada 7-5, 7-6, 6-4 on Tuesday. Djokovic also has a shot in reclaiming the world number one ranking. Should Rafael Nadal fail to win the Roland Garros this weekend, he’s assured to reclaim the top ranking.
“Even though it was a straight set win, few points here and there kind of decided the winner,” said Djokovic of the match. “That’s what I was expecting. I knew that he’s going to serve and I’m not going to have many opportunities, but when I do have them, I should use them. I have done well.”
“He was not letting me dictate as much as I was able to in Rome,” said Raonic. “He was opening up a little bit more with his backhand down the line, where I felt I put more pressure on him in Rome where he wasn’t able to use that as much. I think that’s where I was struggling to get on top of him. My serve kept it close for most of those moments.”
Up next for Djokovic is Ernests Gulbis of Latvia after the latter defeated Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic.
“He’s been playing really well,” Djokovic said of his next opponent. “He’s confident. But again, I like my chances because I have had now couple of great weeks on the clay courts from Rome to now last ten days here in Roland Garros.”
