Djokovic Through to Semi-Finals As Nishikori Retires

Published 01/23/2019, 5:03 AM EST

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Novak Djokovic booked a place in the Australian Open semi-finals and will face Lucas Pouille next. However, it was heartbreak for Japanese player, Kei Nishikori as he was forced to retire due to injury.

Nishikori had a medical time-out between sets, with the trainer working on a right thigh problem. The final score read 6-1, 4-1 in the Serbian’s favour.

Speaking after the match, he said, “I hope he (Nishikori) can recover. I hope it’s not something serious and I wish him a speedy recovery. I’m sorry for everybody not having a full match but thanks for showing up”

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via Imago

The Serbian World Number 1 also talked about Greek sensation Stefanos Tsitsipas and his remaining rival, Rafael Nadal.

“Stefanos is one of the leaders of the Next Generation. Against Roger it’s one of the best quality matches I’ve seen here over the years. Credit to him for playing so maturally and so well. Considering how he’s been playing I’m not surprised to see him in the semi-finals.”

“Nadal? Good forehand. A lot of spin. Amazing backhand, forehand, great volleys. He’s just so good!”

Looking ahead to his semifinal clash against France’s Lucas Pouille, he said, “I‘m looking forward to the battle. It’s his first grand slam semi-final. He’s made a couple of scalps at the big tournaments. He’s not afraid to play his best on the biggest stage. I’m looking forward to it.”

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Nishikori retired with a right thigh problem, thus allowing Djokovic a chance to fight another day.

Djokovic came into the match with a bang on attitude and managed to break Nishikori right away. Nishikori fought and fought but Djokovic was just too strong.

Nishikori even took a medical time-out after the first set loss with the trainer massaging his right thigh. Nishikori got his thigh tightly strapped but the effect lasted only for a while before he lost his movement again.

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Djokovic got through Nishikori’s serve once more and the Japanese decided that the pain was too much.

Pouille, just prior to Djokovic’s match, defeated Milos Raonic 7-6(4), 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4 in three hours and two minutes.

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Dhruv George

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Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports, having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR, Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1 driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino.
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