Novak Djokovic reduced his unforced error count by 73 from one match to the next when he destroyed Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 in the Australian Open quarterfinals on Tuesday night. Djokovic sprayed a shocking 100 errors in a five-set win over Gilles Simon on Sunday, but the world No. 1’s 27 mistakes were exactly half as many as Nishikori’s 54.
“That was the goal, to decrease the unforced errors ratio,” Djokovic explained. I knew that I [was] going to play against an opponent that plays very fast, faster than Simon (and) makes also more unforced errors. I was solid. I was determined, focused. In important points and moments I managed to stay composed and make him play an extra shot. Overall it was a very solid performance.”
Nishikori did not break serve throughout the first two sets, squandering five chances in the second. The underdog twice went up a break in the third but could not consolidate his brief advantages. Djokovic got right back on track to eventually seal the deal in two hours and seven minutes.
Highlights:
Roger Federer preceded Djokovic in marching to the semis, as the 34-year-old Swiss made routine 7-6(4), 6-2, 6-4 work of Tomas Berdych on Tuesday afternoon. Federer trailed by break at 2-1 but immediately righted the ship for 2-2. The 34-year-old Swiss later won it in a tiebreaker.
“I think the first set was tough,” the third seed reflected. “It was the one that took the longest, had the most importance of all the sets, in my opinion. It was definitely key to the rest of the match because I think it maybe might’ve taken some energy out of Tomas. Who knows? If not physical, also mental. It’s always tough to lose the first set in best of five in a ‘breaker in my opinion.”
It certainly was for Berdych, as the Czech was nowhere close to as competitive in the second and third. Federer needed a total of just one hour and 17 minutes to take the final two frames, thus clinching victory in two hours and 16 minutes.
Highlights:
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who ya got?
Nole and fed both played their best matches of tournament imo. Didn’t see Novak but he cleaned kei out so I’m guessing he played well.
Roger in four. If they go five though his chances decrease by a lot.
Nole looks drawn. He didn’t even practice yesterday.
Fed is playing lights out and Laver is a bit faster than usual.
Roger will play a more patient match and finally turn the tables on Nole.
Roger in four is the Hawkstradamus pick.
Doubt Me at your peril.
Do you?
i most certainly do…!
but you are making me very worried about nole….
That’s another reason in Fed’s favour..
Nole’s never been able to pull ahead in the head to head vs Roger when given the chance.
“Fed seems determined here. He’s playing very well, but we’ve seen this movie before. He plays great, looks unbeatable and then loses to Novak.”
Exacto Nny.
Nole will win. In however many sets it takes to do it. Voted 3
are you having some kind of identity crisis today ratcliff?! have seen something like 4 avatars next to your name today..!
glad that the picture of nole is there right now (although that may change in the blink of an eye like the others..!)
ajde nole!
#nolefam!
hahaha…was trying out snagelpuss but it wasn’t the right one. Have several Nole avatars. 😀
We know that Novak peaks when it comes to semis and finals. I just checked the score with him and Nishi and it was straight sets. So he obviously did play better.
Fed seems determined here. He’s playing very well, but we’ve seen this movie before. He plays great, looks unbeatable and then loses to Novak.
I stick with what I believe. I go with my instincts and what I think. That’s how I roll.
I don’t see any reason to change my pick of Novak beating Fed. I will still go with him. If Fed manages to get it done, then all credit to him.