You feel trapped in this heat, inside and outside

DJOKOVIC SURVIVES IN GRUELLING CHALLENGE

- Neil McLeman

NOVAK DJOKOVIC suffered in the afternoon heat to reach his 11th Australian Open semi-final- then insisted TV has "the biggest power" after Jannik Sinner won through to their last-four clash in the early hours of the morning.

The Serbian survived four gruelling sets to fight off inspired American Taylor Fritz for his record-equalling 33rd straight win here at Melbourne Park.

Djokovic was playing his second consecutive match in the afternoon session, instead of his favoured 7pm slot.

The 10-time champion placed ice all over his body during changeovers in the 30C (86F) heat during his 7-6 4-6 6-2 6-3 victory in 3hrs 45mins.

Djokovic, who had a viral infection earlier in the tournament, said: "It was a real struggle - physically, mentally, emotionally.