ROME: The Serbian Tennis star Novak Djokovic outclassed his Canadian opponent Felix Auger-Aliassaime 7-5, 7-6(1) to qualify for the Italian Open semi-finals, here on Friday.

In an intense quarter-final, the Serb marked exceptional comebacks in each set by regrouping from 5-3 to close out in style and secured his 999th tour-level win.

Both Auger-Aliassime and Djokovic showed off their shotmaking and movement capabilities, drawing each other wide with severe angles and up to the net with well-timed drop shots. But the veteran kept his calm and displayed great resilience and consistency to see off his young Canadian opponent.

Djokovic dominated Auger-Aliassime in most of the match by hitting 27 percent of his shots, eight more than his previous tournament average. He also converted 78 percent of his attacking advantage points, while seizing 34% of defensive points.

Following this victory, Djokovic will now return to the top of the ATP Live Rankings by adding 360 points for reaching the semi-finals.

The Serbian will now face Casper Ruud in search of his 1000th tour-level victory in the Italian Open semi-final. If he makes it to the final, Belgrade’s native will be chasing a record-extending 38th ATP Masters 1000 championship.

READ: Pakistan Cricket Board reveals chairman Ramiz Raja’s expenditures