Saturday 19 May 2018 16:54, UK
Novak Djokovic found a way to grind out a marathon quarter-final victory against Kei Nishikori to set-up a showdown with old rival Rafael Nadal in Rome.
The former world No 1 fought back from a set down to win 2-6 6-1 6-1 in a high-quality match lasting two hours and 21 minutes.
"I just hung in there," Djokovic told Sky Sports. "We went toe-to-toe up until the very last point basically. It really could have gone either way.
"It was just tough. When you play Kei, who really feels the ball well and these conditions suit his style of game. He gets a lot of balls back, but also he plays so quick, I mean he starting firing from both sides, so it took me a little time to get used to his pace. I enjoyed the battle."
The 11th seed will now take on seven-time Rome champion Nadal for a place in Sunday's final in what will be their 51st career meeting.
It is the first semi-final Djokovic has reached in a disappointing year for the Serbian following his return from injury, but he will be buoyed by his recent upturn in form which has seen him produce some of his very best tennis.
Djokovic holds a 26-24 lead over Nadal in their head-to-head and he has won 11 out of their last 13 encounters.
"I have to embrace it [facing Nadal]. I have to obviously give everything I've got," said the four-time champion in the Italian capital. "This is what I work for, to get to the latter stages of a major event, and I haven't had this feeling for quite a while. It's been a year since I played a semi-final [which was in Eastbourne on the eve of Wimbledon in 2017].
"I like the conditions and I get good support here. People love tennis, it's really exciting so hopefully I'll be able to play my best tennis."
They renew this rivalry and it's going to be sensational. Again, both players will feel the nerves and the pressure coming out there. That's what's so amazing - when these guys walk out onto the court they put themselves in a super-pressurised environment. And how they play the kind of tennis they play, they continue to amaze just getting to this match and I'm sure they'll do it again on Saturday. A couple of moments will decide it you feel. If Rafa serves well it's going to be key and Novak also needs to serve well because Rafa's been playing aggressively when he gets a chance.
In the other half of the draw, Australian Open finalist Marin Cilic beat 10th-seeded Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3 6-3. The Croatian's next opponent will be defending champion Alexander Zverev who beat ninth seed David Goffin of Belgium 6-4 3-6 6-3 in the day's final match to remain on course to defend his title after notching up a 12th consecutive victory.
The 1000 Series continues with our coverage of the first ATP Rome Masters men's semi-final on Sky Sports Mix, channel 121, which is free for all Sky customers, from 1pm on Saturday. And the second semi-final will be shown live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm.
Keep up to date with the latest on www.skysports.com/tennis with news, previews, live blogs, reports and expert analysis. On the move? Head to our app for mobile devices and iPad, or follow our Twitter account @SkySportsTennis to join in the conversation.
Never miss the big kick-off or have to deal with interrupted games or low quality streams with a NOW TV Sky Sports Pass. You'll get exclusive coverage of the Premier League, Sky Bet EFL, EFL Cup and loads more starting from just £7.99. No contract.
