Isner Dominates Nishikori, Set to Meet Djokovic in Miami Open Semis

American John Isner played arguably the best tennis of his career on Thursday afternoon, dominating fifth-ranked Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-3 to reach the Miami Open semifinals. Isner won his second straight match over a top 10 opponent following his defeat of sixth-ranked Milos Raonic in the fourth-round.

“I played extremely well today,” said Isner. “I needed to play well in order to beat a player like Kei and that’s what I did. From start to finish, I felt like I was aggressive. I was playing all the right shots and things just went my way.”

Isner put together a masterful performance to oust Nishikori. His serve was as dominant as ever, firing 13 aces and not allowing Nishikori a single break point chance.

But it was his return game and work back on the baseline that stood out in this match. Isner won nearly 50 percent of the points on Nishikori’s serve, and broke the Japanese star twice at love.

The match was even through the first eight games at 4-4. But Isner then rattled off 19 of the next 21 points to seize control of the contest, eventually closing it out in one hour and 10 minutes.

“I think he play really well today,” said Nishikori. “On the serve, I didn’t have any chance. Also, his forehand and backhand—he hit some winners from the back of the baseline. I couldn’t really stop him today. I don’t think I really played bad. Maybe I could do a little better with everything, but I think he played well today.”

If Isner is to get through to the Miami Open finals, he will have to beat yet another top 10 opponent: World number one Novak Djokovic.

The Serb pushed through into the final four on Thursday night, surviving a strong test from Spaniard David Ferrer, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday.

Djokovic fell behind 1-4 early, but rallied for the 7-5, 7-5 victory.

“I had to fight for everything that I got tonight on the court because he wasn’t going to give it to me,” said Djokovic. “I knew that coming into the court. I know that he’s a great competitor, that he grinds a lot, runs and makes you play an extra shot.”

Ferrer was able to save a match point and even the second set at 5-5. But Djokovic rattled off the next two games to close it out the match and reach the semifinals.

“Coming into tomorrow’s match, I think he’s more confident because he’s won against top 10 players back-to-back,” said Djokovic of Isner, his next opponent. “I’m sure that’s going to give him more of an advantage mentally. He’s going to try to be aggressive. He’s going to try to take his chances. That’s what makes him very dangerous.”

Djokovic is looking to become the first player to win Indian Wells and Miami in the same season for the third separate time.

The other semifinal from Miami today will feature the third-seeded Andy Murray taking on the eighth-seeded Tomas Berdych.