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Aslan Karatsev of Russia celebrates his match point against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria in the Australian Open men's singles quarterfinal match at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, February 16, 2021. /CFP
Aslan Karatsev made history after defeating Grigor Dimitrov 3-1 in the Australian Open quarterfinal match on Tuesday.
The world No. 114 became the first one who has made men's singles semifinals in his Grand Slam debut. He is the second qualifier to make the semifinals in Australian Open history and the fifth qualifier to enter men's singles semifinals of any Grand Slam event in the Open Era.
Such brilliant performance has earned him at least $667,000 of bonus so far in the Australian Open, more than the total amount he had won before coming to Melbourne Park this year.
"It's an unbelievable feeling. Of course, it's my first time playing (a Grand Slam) main draw, first time (in the) semis. It's incredible," said Karatsev in his on-court interview. "It's amazing that I reached the semifinals from qualifying. I'm just trying to enjoy the moment and not think about winning too much. (Just) playing round to round… I try to believe every match (in) what I'm doing on the court, and it's helped me to win matches."
Aslan Karatsev of Russia returns the ball in the Australian Open men's singles quarterfinal match against Grigor Dimitrov of Bulgaria at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia, February 16, 2021. /CFP
Karatsev failed in every of his previous nine attempts to qualify for Grand Slam championships. How did he make a difference this time?
"In the end, I found a coach, Yahor Yatsyk, and this is the right guy for me. He's helped me a lot, (the) mental part, and then, of course, there is the technical stuff, as well. I like to work with him. We work a lot (on)… the mental part, to believe more in myself and to believe in the game that I play. I was really lucky to find him, and we just met at one tournament. I played (at an ITF) Futures," said the 27-year-old.
Back in early February, when they were both members of Russia competing in the ATP Cup, Daniil Medvedev called Karatsev a "secret weapon." In about two weeks, Karatsev defeated multiple strong opponents, including No. 20 seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and No. 18 seed Dimitrov. He is set to break into the top 50 after the Australian Open.
Karatsev will challenge 17-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic on Thursday. He has been a surprise for so long; care to make it even longer?
