No.12 seed Novak Djokovic got back at his best level to defeat Kei Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-2, 6-2 and joined the last 4 at Wimbledon for the first time since 2015.
The three-time former titlist continued his run for a fourth trophy at the All England Club, clinching the victory in two hours and 35 minutes.
Novak claimed the first set from Nishikori 6-3 on Centre Court, but after missing three break point chances in the third game of the second set, Kei broke him at first opportunity for 3-1 and kept the advantage to level the battle. Down three break points at 2-2 in the third set, Nole lost just two more games to reach the first major semi-final since 2016.
“It feels great to be in the last four of a slam,” Djokovic said. “I have been building over the last couple of weeks, and the level of tennis I have played in the last couple of months felt like it was getting better and better and I feel like I am peaking at the right moment. I have been here before and I will try and enjoy this victory. I have worked very hard to try and get myself in the best possible shape for the biggest event and this is certainly one of the best.”
Match statistics: aces (6-3), double faults (3-1), winners (40-29), unforced errors (21-34), total points won (118-90).
Novak is through to his 32nd Grand Slam semi-final, second to Roger Federer (44). He also recorded his 63rd match win at SW19, the same number as 1993-95, 1997-2000 Wimbledon titlist Pete Sampras.
The 31-year-old Serbian star will take on second seed Rafael Nadal (26-25 H2H) on Friday. The Spaniard edged Juan Martin del Potro (ARG, 5) in a five-set thriller.
Photo: AP
