ICE AND A SLICE

Djokovic stays cool to win a gruelling marathon against Fritz in brutal heat but says: ‘It was not enjoyable at all’

- NEIL McLEMAN

NOVAK DJOKOVIC endured broiling afternoon heat to reach his 11th Australian Open semifinal – then complained that TV schedulers hold too much power after rival Jannik Sinner’s match finished in the early hours of the morning. 

The Serbian superstar beat American Taylor Fritz in four gruelling sets for a record-equalling 33rd win at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic was playing his second consecutive match in the afternoon session instead of his favoured 7pm slot. And the 10-time champion placed ice all over his body during changeovers in the 30-degree heat before winning 7-6 4-6 6-2 6-3 in three hours and 45 minutes.

Djokovic, who had a viral infection earlier in the tournament, said: “It was a real struggle – physically, mentally, emotionally. I think we both felt the effect of the heat. It’s hard to bring down your heart rate and control your breathing. It’s very intense. It’s very intense.