Djokovic to face Federer after easing past Nishikori

Djokovic will face Roger Federer in an mouthwatering Australian Open semi-final
after dismissing Kei Nishikori in straight sets on
Tuesday.

Defending champion Djokovic comfortably beat
seventh seed Nishikori 6-3 6-2 6-4 to reach an eighth
consecutive grand slam semi-final and remain on
course for a sixth title at Melbourne Park.
While Djokovic's unforced error count was well short of
the century he posted against Gilles Simon in the last
16, Nishikori was not without his opportunities, but
he proved wasteful as the world number one cruised
into a last-four meeting with third seed Federer.
Nishikori looked comfortable until the sixth game of
the opening set on Rod Laver Arena when, up 40-love,
he committed four consecutive unforced errors to gift
Djokovic the break and a 4-2 lead.
Djokovic then fought back from 0-30 down to serve out
the set thanks to another unforced error from
Nishikori.
It was already desperate times for Nishikori in the
second set after Djokovic broke in the opening game
before the top seed fended off two break points to
consolidate.
Even when Nishikori thought he had a point wrapped
up, Djokovic somehow found the speed and precision
to thwart the world number seven, who watched on in
awe as his opponent raced into the net to earn a
double break and a 4-1 lead with a delightful
backhand.
And that appeared to kill any chance of a Nishikori
comeback as Djokovic raced away from that moment
for a two-sets-to-love lead.
Nishikori then went off court for a medical timeout,
seemingly to address a groin problem, but he emerged
with renewed hope, breaking for a 2-0 advantage early
in the third.
Nishikori's joy was short-lived, however, after he
dropped serve the very next game, though the pair
continued to exchange breaks as Djokovic levelled
proceedings at 3-3.
But Djokovic broke again in the seventh, which proved
decisive as he then coasted to victory.

STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

Djokovic [1] bt Nishikori [7] 6-3 6-2 6-4

ACES

Djokovic - 6

Nishikori - 9

WINNERS/UNFORCED ERRORS

Djokovic - 22/27
Nishikori - 31/54

BREAK POINTS WON
Djokovic - 6/11
Nishikori - 2/8

FIRST SERVE PERCENTAGE
Djokovic - 57
Nishikori - 58

PERCENTAGE OF POINTS WON ON FIRST/SECOND SERVE

Djokovic - 65/66
Nishikori - 59/40

TOTAL POINTS
Djokovic - 99
Nishikori - 74