Ranking second in the world, defeating Milos Raunich and meeting Roger Federer on Thursday • The Serbian eulogized his good friend: "I had the good fortune to be in close contact with him"

• Novak Djokovic is tearful. Victory and obituary

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Novak Djokovic, who is ranked second in the world, rose to the semi-finals in Melbourne on Tuesday afternoon after defeating Milos Raunich (32) 4: 6, 3: 6, 6: 7 (1) in the quarterfinals. The Serb will meet Roger Federer on mandatory status this Thursday.

The Serbian, who rose to a 0:10 balance in the face-offs against Raunich, twice succeeded in breaking the Canadian, who raised his hands just after a breakout in the third set.

In the end, Jokovic, who was in touch with Kobe Bryant, tearfully teared down his good friend: "I don't know what to say, about the great tragedy that has befallen us," said Novak. "This message caught me by surprise. Great in the world. I've had the good fortune to be in close contact with him for the last ten years. He has been a mentor and friend of mine. It is very sad to know what is happening to Kobe and his young daughter. "

McEnroe tries to calm Novak, today in Melbourne // Photo: AP

Earlier, Federer saved seven points this morning as he recorded a wonderful comeback en route to victory over five-seeded Sandgren tennis in the Australian Open quarterfinals. In the fourth set, Sandgren already had three points of play in 5: 6, but the Swiss fought like a lion, forcing an equalizer in which he managed to scrape a victory right in the teeth. By the fifth act, everything was already set free and Federer posted a 3: 6 en route to a dramatic 2: 3 finish.