Top seed Novak Djokovic has put on another solid performance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, beating fourth seed Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 7-6 (4) to progress to his fourth final at the ATP World Tour 500 event.
Novak capitalised on his first break point opportunity in the sixth game of the opening set, and closed it 6-3 in 35 minutes.
Players exchanged breaks twice in a tight second set, before Djokovic seized the initiative in a tiebreaker to seal the match.
“I was very pleased with the performance overall and the way I handled myself in the tough moments,” Novak said. “Mentally I stayed tough and believed that I could go all the way and win in straight sets. I have been very positive and confident, so I think that resulted with overall a really good performance.”
Nole converted 3 of his 6 break point chances and won 83 per cent of first service points to lock up the victory over the Argentine in one hour and 44 minutes. He improved to 8-2 career record against del Potro.
Match statistics: aces (7-7), double faults (0-0), total points won (76-65).
Djokovic is looking to capture the trophy in Dubai for the fourth time, having triumphed in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The 25-year-old Belgrade native won his 17th consecutive match and improved his overall record to 12-0 on the season.
Novak will face no.3 seed Tomas Berdych on Saturday at 19.00 local time (16.00 CET) in his 55th tour-level final (35-19 record). Berdych defeated five-time champion Roger Federer 3-6, 7-6, 6-4.
Nole leads H2H record against the Czech 12-1.
“I want to win this title, and whoever I play against tomorrow I will try to enjoy the match and of course fight to get to the trophy. I think it’s going to be a thrilling match to watch. Very close, I think. I’m going to have to be on top of my game.”
You can download Nole March Desktop Wallpaper here.
Photo: EPA
