Novak Djokovic breezes past David Ferrer, sets up semi-final clash with John Isner

Djokovic overcame early jitters to dispatch Ferrer in straight sets toreach the semi-finals of the Miami Open.

As has been the case throughout the tournament, Novak Djokovic showed signs of nervousness as he had some trouble getting past World Number 7 David Ferrer in the quarter-final of the Miami Open. In the end, Djokovic succeeded in closing out the match in straight sets, 7-5, 7-5 to set up a semi-final date with John Isner.

Djokovic dropped his serve early in the first set, and it seemed as if he was looking to gift Ferrer, celebrating his 33rd birthday on Thursday, the match before recovering swiftly to close out the opening set 7-5.

In the second set, Novak Djokovic squandered a match point in the 10th game and Ferrer levelled the scores at five games all. But Djokovic, looking to wrap up matters quickly, broke back immediately to take the lead before eventually closing out the second set and match with relative ease at 7-5. Ferrer has failed to get the better of his top ranked opponent on the last eight occasions.

Djokovic, who has triumphed four times at Miami, said after winning the match – “"I had to fight for everything that I got tonight on the court because he wasn't going to give it to me," Djokovic said. "I knew that coming into the court. I know that he's a great competitor, that he grinds a lot, runs and makes you play an extra shot."

Djokovic will meet American John Isner, who beat Kei Nishikori, in the semi-final.

The big-serving Isner was dominant from the outset and was in absolute control of his service game as was evident from Nishikori’s failure to obtain even a single break point. Isner wrapped up the game 6-4, 6-3 to set up a semi-final date with Djokovic.

Nishikori’s defeat, now means that Murray will move to number three in the ATP rankings.