AFP, Miami :
Novak Djokovic recovered from a slow start and had to battle at the end to overcome tenacious Spaniard David Ferrer on Thursday to reach the Miami Masters semi-finals.
Serbia’s world number one triumphed 7-5, 7-5 and advanced to a meeting with big-serving American John Isner, who overpowered Japan’s world number five Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-3.
Djokovic, the defending champion and winner of the Indian Wells title less than a fortnight ago, came from two breaks down in the first set as Ferrer celebrated his 33rd birthday with a runaway start.
But Djokovic reeled him in to take the first set and served for victory leading 5-4 in the second.
Ferrer was having no part of it. He broke Djokovic, but was broken himself a game later to let Djokovic again serve for the match.
Djokovic now owns eight straight wins over the Spaniard, winner of three titles already this season.
“David is one of the toughest opponents, I knew the match would be physical,” said Djokovic. “He gives you nothing and makes you work for every point.
Novak Djokovic recovered from a slow start and had to battle at the end to overcome tenacious Spaniard David Ferrer on Thursday to reach the Miami Masters semi-finals.
Serbia’s world number one triumphed 7-5, 7-5 and advanced to a meeting with big-serving American John Isner, who overpowered Japan’s world number five Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-3.
Djokovic, the defending champion and winner of the Indian Wells title less than a fortnight ago, came from two breaks down in the first set as Ferrer celebrated his 33rd birthday with a runaway start.
But Djokovic reeled him in to take the first set and served for victory leading 5-4 in the second.
Ferrer was having no part of it. He broke Djokovic, but was broken himself a game later to let Djokovic again serve for the match.
Djokovic now owns eight straight wins over the Spaniard, winner of three titles already this season.
“David is one of the toughest opponents, I knew the match would be physical,” said Djokovic. “He gives you nothing and makes you work for every point.
