No-nonsense Novak needs barely an hour to reach Turin SF

Novak Djokovic fast-forwarded into the semi-finals of the ATP Masters on Wednesday, crushing Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-1 in just over an hour.

The Serb who is seeking his sixth trophy at the year-end classic was in and out in 69 minutes, watched for what he said was he first time start-to-finish both his wife and their two children.

The blink-and-you’ll-miss-it performance left the 21-time Grand Slam champion bursting with confidence heading into his meaningless last group match on Friday against Daniil Medvedev.

“I played very well,this was one of my best matches this season,” the winner said. “Andrey is a tough competitor with his dangerous serve and forehand.

“I found the right attitude: he was up in the 10th (final game) of the first set. I stayed in a long rally and knew that my chance would come.

“Winning the first set gave me a lot of wings and his energy level dropped in the second set. . 

“It was an amazing performance today.”

Djokovic ran his group record to 2-0 with a dozen aces and three breaks of Rublev, whom he also defeated here last year in the round-robin stage.. 

The Saturday semi-final lineup is now half complete after Djokovic joined Casper Ruud, who secured the first spot on Tuesday.

“I’m  glad that I’m through,” Djokovic said. “it’s a bit of a relief, But the pressure to win every match is still there

“The last group match won’t be a stroll in the park. I want to go out there with good intensity and hopefully win against Medvedev.

“I’m striking the ball well, I’ll focus on winning every match I play.”