World No.1 Novak Djokovic continued his quest for a third consecutive BNP Paribas title in Indian Wells with a 7-6(5), 6-2, win over Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals.
The highly anticipated clash between two of the most popular players on the ATP tour lived up to expectations during the first set. A sluggish start from the Serbian, consisting of double faults, enabled Nadal to open up a 2-0 lead. Djokovic overcame the poor start by breaking back immediately to level at 2-2. As the set progressed, the top seed could have broke his opponent’s serve again to lead 4-3 but was denied by a fearsome Nadal, who was playing some of his best tennis of the past year.
With little to distinguish between the two tennis giants on the court, the first set was decided by a tiebreaker. Unlike the even footing during the majority of the first set, Djokovic took advantage of Nadal’s fragile serve by breaking the Spaniard three times out of the first four points to lead 3-1. The early offensive from Djokovic was just enough to guarantee the first set. Nadal retrieved two of the break’s before hitting a backhand shot into the net to gift the opening set to the defending champion.
A set away from his fifth final in Indian Wells, Djokovic applied further pressure on Nadal throughout the second set. He had an opportunity to break for 2-0 before Nadal valiantly fended off the break point. The Spanish player finally succumbed in the sixth game of the set after the world No.1 broke for the second time in the match to lead 4-2. Edging closer towards his 25th victory over Nadal, Djokovic sealed the match with his fifth match point after a shot from his opponent landed outside the court.
Dealing with a rejuvenated Nadal in the last four, Djokovic produced 29 unforced errors compared to just 23 winners. Furthermore, he only converted 3/12 break points. On a more positive note, he won 71% of his first service points. Despite the mixed performance, Djokovic expressed content with his overall performance.
“There were things that I could have done better, but I finished off the match very well and I am very pleased to get through to the final,” The world No.1 said.
“The first set was very close and decided by one or two points in a tiebreaker and I was just fortunate to get through that one.
“The second was back and forth and midway through I managed to make that crucial break that allowed me to start playing more aggressive.
“Overall, it was a tough match, but that is what you expect when you play Rafa.”
Djokovic is now one win away from becoming the first man in history to win the BNP Paribas Open on five separate occasions. He could also become only the second player in history to win the title three years straight after Roger Federer (2004-2006).
Milos Raonic Next
Awaiting Djokovic in the final will be world No.14 Milos Raonic after he defeated Belgium’s Davis Goffin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
The Canadian produced 10 aces and 31 winners during his two-hour marathon against Goffin, who was playing in his first ever Masters semifinal. Dropping his service twice during the second set, Raonic responded triumphantly at the start of the decider by racing to a 3-0 lead. The world No.14 was outstanding with his serve in the final set, winning 89% of his first service points, to ease his way to his first final in Indian Wells.
Raonic will now play in his third Masters final after Montreal (2013) and Paris (2014). Earlier this year the 25-year-old defeated Roger Federer to win the Brisbane International. The Canadian faces a tough task in the final against Djokovic, a player that he has lost to in all five of their previous meetings. Nevertheless, Raonic has maintained a positive outlook.
“Against Novak, it’s a difficult matchup,” Raonic said.
“I’ve added good things to my tennis that can help me in that aspect, it’s going to be important to control the centre of the court.”
If Djokovic beats Raonic on Sunday, he will win his 27th Masters title, equaling Nadal’s all-time record.
