Novak Djokovic wins a very complicated semifinal against Kei Nishikori in Madrid. Even if the Japanese no.1 started extremely well, Nole managed to get to a crucial position after gaining three match points when he was leading 6-3 5-4 40-0. Things began to go south for the world no.1 when he squandered the three match points to lose the serve; eventually, Djokovic kept his cool to win the set at the breaker. The match ended after 1 hour and 59 minutes, and the score was 6-3 7-6 (4) for Nole.

Djokovic.  I obviously should not have let that happen

On one side, Djokovic was upset for squandering 3 easy match points; on the other, he was happy for keeping his cool “When you’re playing a top player, a quality player, that will use every opening and every opportunity that he’s got to come back to the match, which happened today. I had an easy forehand to finish off the match at 40-love, a couple of double faults and a couple of good points from Kei and the break was there. I obviously should not have let that happen.

On the other hand, I was happy the way I handled the games after that. In tie-break, I think I played very solid under the circumstances, and knowing that I missed four match points I was very solid after that. I think mentally it’s good to go through these particular situations for the confidence.”

The final against Andy Murray

Djokovic will play Andy Murray in the final. The head to head is 22-9 for the world on.1 that also leads 3-0 on clay courts. Djokovic has won 11 of the last 12 encounters against Murray.

THE DRAW