Novak Djokovic in Belgrade final after fighting past Khachanov

Novak Djokovic celebrates his victory against Karen Khachanov. Pic/AFP

Novak Djokovic reached his first final of the year at the Serbia Open on Saturday after recovering from a set down to beat Karen Khachanov 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.

The World No.1 will face Andrey Rublev or Fabio Fognini as he bids for a third Belgrade crown, and the 87th title of his career.

For the third match in a row, Djokovic dropped the first set after losing his serve in the opening game, but the Serb stepped up his level in the second and third sets.

Djokovic beat the 26th-ranked Khachanov for the fifth straight meeting and sixth time in seven matches. The Belgrade event is only Djokovic's third of 2022.

He was deported from Melbourne - and denied the chance to defend his Australian Open title - after he entered the country unvaccinated. He was also barred from playing at the Indian Wells and Miami Masters over his controversial Covid-19 stance. Djokovic, 34, made the last eight in Dubai in February and then lost his opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters last week.

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