It was the third meeting between the two players, with the Serb now leading 2-1 head-to-head. While he finished with 19 winners and no unforced errors, the seventh-ranked Russian hit 18 winners and one unforced error.
Djokovic is eyeing a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title to level with former star Roger Federer. Rublev and Stefanos Tsitsipas will square off against each other to join the Serb and Casper Ruud in the last four.
In the Green Group, the winner of the match between Taylor Fritz and Felix Auger-Aliassime will make the semifinals. Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev both lost their first two matches to crash out of the event.
After his victory over Rublev on Wednesday, Djokovic was seen signing autographs and clicking photographs with the spectators at the Pala Alpitour Arena. Just as he approached the stands, the 35-year-old icon gave a hug to a young boy who had tears in his eyes. Fans were touched by the act and started praising him for his kindness.
Here are a few more reactions:
I played one of the best matches of the year: Novak Djokovic after defeating Andrey Rublev
Andrey Rublev beat 2020 ATP Finals champion Daniil Medvedev in a three-set thriller on Monday. The 25-year-old was expected to make things difficult for Novak Djokovic but instead faced a crushing defeat. Having won four titles this season, the Serb still seems to be getting better with every match.
In an on-court interview post his win over Rublev, the 21-time Major winner stated that he played one of the best matches of the season against an outstanding player.
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