Novak Djokovic trumps Donald Young at Aegon International
Three-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic built further momentum ahead of his All England Club challenge with victory over Donald Young.
Novak Djokovic moved into the semi-finals of the Aegon International in relatively routine fashion by beating Donald Young in straight sets.
After his quarter-final exit at the French Open, Djokovic opted to play in Eastbourne to get in extra practice ahead of his bid to reclaim the Wimbledon title and claimed a 6-2 7-6 (11-9) victory in the last-eight tie, setting up an encounter with either Steve Johnson or Daniil Medvedev.
Djokovic completed a rain-delayed victory over Vasek Pospisil on Wednesday and saw off a player in Young who has looked in good form on the grass.
Young reached the quarter-finals at Queen's Club last week but, despite threatening in the second set, could not pull off a shock against the 12-time grand slam champion.
Djokovic needed only 27 minutes to wrap up the first set, breaking Young twice, but the second proved much more of a battle.
The Serbian sent a backhand long to hand Young a break of serve and a 5-4 lead, but Djokovic saved a set point to immediately strike back.
The tie-break looked set to go the way of Young when a backhand pass gave him another set point, but Djokovic again recovered.
Three match points came and went but Young could not save a fourth as Djokovic builds momentum ahead of his push for a fourth Wimbledon title.