Novak Djokovic reached his first Grand Slam semi-finals with a four-set victory over Japan’s Kei Nishikori on Wednesday. The Serbian tennis star became a serious Wimbledon title contender since 2015.
Djokovic, who is running after his best level in two years of poor performance, confidence at half-mast and physical glitches, has taken a step forward on the Center Court, theater of three of his 12 major seals in 2011, 2014, and 2015.
“I think the first warning was unnecessary. It didn’t harm the grass. Kei did the same in the fourth set but wasn’t warned. The umpire said he didn’t see. I don’t think it’s fair but it is what it is,” said Djokovic, who is in the last four in London for the eighth time.
“It’s great to be in the semifinals. I built this result little by little since the season on clay. It went better and better. It’s not the first time I’m in the semi-finals here, but I’m going to appreciate it.” Djokovic added.
Djokovic insists on the setback of Nishikori who ends up making the mistake. The Serb wins the first set of this quarterfinal. Despite a break in the middle set, he has pressed the accelerator to win the last three games.
Nishikori relies on a very good first exterior to conclude the second set with a winning forehand on the other side. The Japanese had a tricky run before taking over Djokovic who made a lot of mistakes.
Novak Djokovic will face the winner between Rafael Nadal and Juan Martin Del Potro in the semi-finals. (Source:www.india.com)
On an outer Nishikori, Djokovic plays a blocked return long line that surprises the Japanese. The 31-year-old accelerated to 2-2, 0-40 on his throw-in while Nishikori started committing regular forehand fouls.
Djokovic raises his fist after a last-right uncrossed winner. The three-time champion gradually gained momentum in a match that definitely turned to 2-2 in the third set. Nishikori then eliminated and Djokovic flew to the semi-finals.
Nishikori, he is the first Japanese reached quarter-finalist in London since 1995. The 28-year-old man is definitely one of the favorite opponents of Djokovic, who has signed his 14th victory in 16 comparisons.
Djokovic on the other hand, he will face the winner of the match between the current world No. 1, Rafael Nadal, and the Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro for the semi-finals place on Friday.
