Novak and Daniil met for the 11th time in a highly anticipated semi-final match at the Astana Open on Saturday. The two players were level at one set apiece, 4-6, 7-6 (6), when the second seed decided to pull out due to a leg injury.
Novak powered into his sixth semi-final of the season on Friday by defeating Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-3 at the Astana Open. The top seed now leads the Russian 7-1 in their ATP H2H series.
Novak Djokovic recorded a 6-3, 6-1 victory against world no. 34 Botic Van De Zandschulp on Thursday to advance into the last eight at the ATP 500 event in Astana, Kazakhstan. Number 4 seed will face Karen Khachanov (RUS) in the quarterfinals on Friday.
Fourth seed Novak Djokovic started his quest for a fourth tour-level title of the season in style on Wednesday, beating world no.81 Cristian Garin 6-1, 6-1 to reach the second round at the Astana Open.
