‘Phenomenal’ energy drives Djokovic into Belgrade final

BELGRADE: Novak Djokovic reached his first final of the year at the Serbia Open on Saturday 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.