World no.1 Novak Djokovic maintained his perfect China Open record (22-0) on Friday as he defeated fifth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-4 to progress into the ATP World Tour 500 event last four.
The top seed overcame the Bulgarian in 89 minutes, recording his 590th career win.
Novak saved a break point in a 10-minute third game, and then broke twice to take the opening set 6-2 in 38 minutes.
The Belgrade native was a break up twice in the second set. He had two match points in the eighth game, but Dimitrov held and broke the Serb while serving for the victory at 5-3. Dimitrov handed Djokovic another break when he double-faulted on a MP in the 10th game.
“It was pretty slow conditions because of the weather,” said Novak. “It’s a bit cold today, which I think suited more to my style of the game. I was trying to mix up the pace, give him high balls to the backhand, serve efficiently. Everything worked well. The second set was up and down. But generally it was a good performance.”
Match statistics: aces (2-2), double faults (3-3), winners (13-17), unforced errors (16-33), total points won (70-53).
Novak takes on no.6 seed Andy Murray (13-8 H2H) on Saturday for a place in his sixth tour-level final of the season. The Brit b. US Open titlist Marin Cilic (4) 6-1, 6-4.
Looking ahead to the clash, Djokovic said: “Every time I play him, it’s a huge challenge. It’s a very physical match. A lot of long rallies, exchanges. I do not expect anything less than that tomorrow.”
The 2014 Wimbledon champion is unbeaten at the event, winning the title on his four previous visits in 2009 (d. Cilic), 2010 (d. Ferrer), 2012 (d. Tsonga) and 2013 (d. Nadal).
Photo: Getty Images
