Novak Djokovic reaches Wimbledon semi-final

Novak Djokovic has continued his superb defence of his Wimbledon crown with a win against David Goffin.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates beating Belgium's David Goffin. Picture: AFP

Novak Djokovic has continued his superb defence of his Wimbledon crown with a phenomenal performance against Belgian David Goffin.

After an early test against the Belgian baseliner, who had the better of the first half of the first set, the world No 1 claimed ten games in succession en route to a 6-4 6-0 6-2 win.

He awaits the victor of a clash between Roberta Bautista-Agut and Guido Pella for a chance to return to the final.

The reigning Australian Open champion was sublime in all facts of the game after the testing start, completely overwhelming an opponent who is a quality player.

So much of a rout did the match become, by the third set Goffin was receiving cheers for winning points, not just games.

“I think my two best matches were the fourth round and the quarterfinals today, which is exactly what I wanted and what I needed and hopefully I can go in the right direction as well,” Djokovic said.

“Obviously things could have gone a different way. Who knows how the match would have gone if I had lost the first set?”

That such a hiding was to come did not seem apparent in the initial stages of the match.

Goffin settled into the surrounds on centre court without concern and was soon testing the defending champion.

The Belgian has been a player of significant talent for several years, even if this has not always translated to deep runs at grand slam level.

A quarterfinalist at the Australian and French Opens, this is his most successful fortnight at Wimbledon, though the outing against Djokovic ultimately proved a nightmare.

The fifth Beligan man to make the last eight at Wimbledon, Goffin had opportunities to seize an early advantage on the Djokovic serve at 1-all.

But it was a different matter four games later as the Belgian baseliner continued to impress.

After clubbing a forehand winner down the line to bring up a break point, Goffin was able to move ahead when forcing the three-time Wimbledon champion into error on the forehand side.

That, though, proved his last hurrah. From there Djokovic dominated, retrieving the break immediately.

It is scarcely surprising that when it comes to retrieving a service break immediately, Djokovic and Nadal sit atop the rankings.

The inability by Goffin to convert proved costly. It is what separates the mighty fine players like Goffin and the true champions such as Djokovic.

And it is rare they give a second chance.

Djokovic, who has dropped just one set to date, seized another break two games later to seize the first set and also the clear impetus.

The second set was a savaging. The boost in confidence for Djokovic and the diminishing belief of his rival parlayed into a particularly one-sided second set.

Similarly to an appearance in a final against Roger Federer last month, once Goffin dropped the first set, his performance dropped away, try as he might to press the champion again in the third set.