The victory was Djokovic’s 10th in their last 11 meetingsPhoto: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Novak Djokovic is one win away from a fifth BNP Paribas Open title at Indian Wells after overcoming his great rival Rafael Nadal in straight sets in the semi-finals.
The world number one sealed his sixth successive win against the Spaniard, and 10th in their past 11 matches, but he was pushed to his limits in a tense first set before coming through 7-6, 6-2.
He will now be bidding for his third successive crown in California when he takes on Milos Raonic in the final on Sunday after the Canadian defeated David Goffin 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the other semi-final.
Djokovic has been without peer for much of the past 18 months while Nadal has endured a chastening start to 2016, most notably suffering the ignominy of a first-round exit at the Australian Open.
However, the Spaniard has this week enjoyed an upturn in fortunes at a tournament he has won three times – and his rejuvenation seemed set to continue as he made a roaring start to his 48th meeting with Djokovic.
The Serb, who led their head-to-head 24-23 after thrashing Nadal 6-1, 6-2 in their previous meeting in Doha in January, won the opening point with a cross-court backhand following a 24-shot rally that set the tone for the contest.
However, the tenacious Nadal held serve and then surprisingly broke his opponent to establish a 2-0 lead, only to then give the break back as Djokovic started to find some rhythm.
Both combatants matched each other blow-for-blow in a set that thereafter stayed with serve, with Nadal unable to convert a set point at 5-4 ahead.
Djokovic asserted his authority in the tie-break, opening up a 4-1 advantage, only for Nadal to display immense fortitude in levelling at 5-5.
However, the No4 seed then …Read More
Source:: PM Newspaper
