Nishikori to Face Djokovic in Miami Semis
There will be a new Sony Open Tennis champ in Miami this year as on Wednesday, defending champion Andy Murray fell to Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-3 in the quarterfinals.
Murray, a winner in Miami in 2009 and 2013, seemed to unravel after a non-call by the umpire as with Murray, serving to force a first-set tie-break at 5-6, Djokovic made contact with the ball on Murray’s side of the net putting away the winner. Chair Umpire Damien Steiner made no call as Murray questioned the “non-call” even though Djokovic admitted his racquet was over the net. Officials are not allowed overturn their calls based on video board replays so the call had to stand.
Up next for Djokovic is the 20 seed, Kei Nishikori, an upset winner over Roger Federer, 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
"That gives me even more confidence and self belief that I need in this moment, and I feel that here in Miami I'm playing better,” said Djokovic. “But still it's not on the level that I want it to be, but it's progressing and developing as the tournament goes on."
Nishikori's win was his second consecutive victory over Federer, whom he defeated last May in Madrid, taking a 2-1 lead in the pair’s three career meetings.
"I think Kei does really well controlling the ball," said Federer of Nishikori. "He has great technique, especially on the backhand, very simple, very short back swings, so he does a really nice job of having good timing. I predict he's going to be Top 10 in a short while.”
