12th seed Novak Djokovic has denied Kei Nishikori the chance to become the first Japanese Wimbledon men’s semi-finalist since 1933 with a roller-coaster 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 win in the quarter-finals.
The clash between the two was one full of drama as Djokovic argued with the umpire after receiving a code violation during the second set. Nevertheless, he managed to overcome the blip to see off Nishikori. Who was wearing heavy strapping on his right arm, but moved freely around the court without discomfort. Hitting 39 winners to 21 unforced errors.
“It feels great to be in the last four of a slam. I’ve been building on the last couple of weeks, the level of tennis I was playing over the last couple of months.” Djokovic told BBC Sport.
“I feel like I am peaking at the right moment. It’s not the first time I’m in the semifinals. I’ve been here before. But I will try to enjoy this victory and try to think about my next opponent.”
Taking on Nishikori for the 16th time in his career, both players illustrated their talent on Center Court. Djokovic’s defensive play won over the cheers and admiration from many. In what was a somewhat different atmosphere to his match against Kyle Edmund. Meanwhile, Nishikori hit a series of breathtaking shots. The only problem was that the Japanese player wasn’t consistent enough to deny Djokovic. Illustrated by his 34 errors produced during the match.
Exchanging breaks midway through the opening set, Djokovic went on to extend his lead to 5-3 at the expense of back-to-back Nishikori errors. The ability of the Serbian to return the ball deep towards the baselines frustrated his opponent, who last defeated Djokovic at the 2014 US Open. Racing to a 40-15 lead, two set points came and went for the Serbian. It was on the third where he prevailed after hitting a backhand to the baseline to draw yet another error from Nishikori.
Following the strong start from the Serbian came controversy. During the early part of set number two Djokovic failed to convert four break point chances during two Nishikori service games. Throwing his racket to the ground out of frustration. Umpire Carlos Ramos penalised him with a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct. Resulting in a heated exchange between the two.
‘So you’re saying basically that if I hit a ball and then ruin the court I get a warning?’ Djokovic said to Ramos.
‘You think I ruined the court for just throwing my racket [down]? Do you think that or not? Be honest.’
Adding at the end of his argument ‘Come on.’
Meanwhile, a composed Nishikori stuck to his game plan to level the match at one set apiece.
Following his win, Djokovic continued to slam Ramos. Saying during his post-match that Nishikori did the same as him and wasn’t penalised for it.
“I thought it was not necessary to get the warning.” He stated. “I didn’t harm the grass. I knew I threw the racket, but he (Nishikori) threw his racket during the fourth set. The chair umpire said he didn’t see him. I get the warning and he didn’t. I think it’s not fair, but it is the way it is.”
The fightback
The vulnerability in Djokovic’s mentality placed him in danger of going behind, but it was a lapse of concentration from his opponent that proved costly. A lacklustre Nishikori service game saw him fall behind 4-2 in the third frame. Triggering an almighty roar of ‘come on’ from the 12-time grand slam champion. Back in pole position, Djokovic stormed to a two-sets lead with the help of a sublime return to the corner of the court that his rival couldn’t return.
Strolling towards the finish line, Nishikori continued to fade. Allowing Djokovic to surge in momentum. However, his mood with the umpire deteriorated further when he was slammed with a time violation during the later stages of the match. Nevertheless, he proceeded to seal his place in the last four after 154 minutes of play. Hitting a forehand cross-court winner.
“I’m very grateful that I get the opportunity to play the sport that I love and compete at this high level.” He said. “I worked very hard and very smart to get myself in the best possible shape for the biggest events. It doesn’t get any bigger than Wimbledon.”
Claiming win No.806 on the tour, Djokovic has moved into joint-eighth position for most matches won by a player on the ATP World Tour. Equalling Stefan Edberg. His reward is a upcoming meeting against either Rafael Nadal or Juan Martin del Potro.
