It was fast and fiery but Novak Djokovic has once again showed he is a class above to defeat world number six Andrey Rublev in straight sets and advance to the Australian Open semifinals.

Djokovic took the heavy-hitting match  6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in a performance that was almost as dominant as his fourth round demolition of Alex De Minaur.

Djokovic described the win as the second best performance he has had on Rod Laver Arena, after the fourth round match.

"I would rank it as number two," the 35-year-old star said.

"Very close to two nights ago, I am playing very solid tennis."

The major difference was that Rublev had more power to hurt Djokovic with, although he could only do that occasionally.

The victory served as a reminder that no one turns defence into attack quite like the former world number one, who extended his winning streak at the Australian Open to 26 matches.

A streak that equalled that of Andre Agassi for the longest in men's singles at the tournament.

For his part Rublev could do little more, he red-lined his game and clocked the ball as hard as he can — as is his style — but against the depth and power of Djokovic it was the 25-year-old Russian who got bullied.

So often he looked to be in points, before one shot from Djokovic would turn it around.

And every time he had a break point, five times in fact, Djokovic slammed the door shut.

In one such game Rublev fumed at chair umpire James Keothavong after the shot clock expired on the Djokovic serve.

An irate Rublev, fraying at the edges, railing as Denis Shapovalov did at last year's tournament, about double standards being in play for the sport's biggest stars.

"It's a ***ing time violation," Rublev said as he walked towards the umpire's chair.

"That time was already minus 10."

Keothavong then said something inaudible, before Rublev insinuated a double standard.

"Yes man, only exceptions", he said as he pointed to the Djokovic end of court.

It did not help the Russian.

He lost the game to go down 2-4 in the second set and he then was broken again as his concentration waivered, before Djokovic went up two sets to love.

Rublev to his credit did not shirk the task at any point.

Down a break early in the third he kept coming at Djokovic in what was a physical encounter, during which Djokovic dispelled any doubts about his still heavily strapped hamstring as he ran out the victor.

Though he said he was still rehabbing it.

With the win Djokovic booked a Friday semifinal against American Tommy Paul, a man he has never before played.

Djokovic gave Paul a wrap for his excellent performance in the last 12 months before stating a simple truth.

"If  I play this way, I think I am a good chance to go through."