NOVAK Djokovic reached his seventh Madrid semi-final today, easing past Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 6-4 to record a 30th career victory in the Spanish capital.

The world number one now awaits one of two Spaniards, Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, in what will be a highly-anticipated last-four showdown.

“I do not care who is on the opposite side of the net to be honest. I just want to be playing better and better each day,” said Djokovic.

“For me, this is the most important thing right now; my focus and my intention is really focusing on myself.”

Djokovic started with a break and it was all he needed to grab the opening set in 33 minutes.

Hurkacz dropped serve in game five of the second set, as Djokovic once again charged to a commanding lead.

The Polish player saved two match points on his own serve at 5-3, forcing the Serb to serve out the win.

And 34-year-old Djokovic had no trouble closing, moving into the final four with an 81-minute success.

Djokovic has not competed much in 2022 due to his vaccination status that has prevented him from playing in Australia or entering the United States.

His win today is just his seventh of the year and he will be trying to make a second final of the season, having placed runner-up in Belgrade last month.

Djokovic received a walkover in the last 16 when Andy Murray pulled out with stomach illness.

“I did not play my third round against Andy, but I feel physically good. I have been striking the ball well,” he said.

“It wasn’t really nice looking tennis in the first set (against Hurkacz), but we raised the level and quality in the second set.

“I served well when I needed to, held the break, which was sufficient in both sets.” – AFP, May 6, 2022.