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Djokovic through to Pouile semi-final after Nishikori retires
MELBOURNE, Jan 23, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – World number one Novak Djokovic
reached the Australian Open semi-finals in a hurry Wednesday as an ailing Kei
Nishikori retired when losing 6-1, 4-1 after just 51 minutes.
Nishikori had endured three five-set epics during 13hr 47min on court
before the quarter-final clash and suffered a thigh strain in the first set
as the marathon matches took their toll.
Eighth seed Nishikori began to suffer early in the first set and was a
shadow of his usual fighting self as he lost it in 31 minutes.
After a medical timeout and three minutes of treatment from the
physiotherapist, Nishikori emerged for the second set with his right thigh
strapped and courageously attempted to carry on.
He seemed to be moving a little more freely, but the recovery did not last
long.
After being broken to go 2-1 down by the Serbian 14-time Grand Slam
champion Nishikori became almost immobilised.
When Djokovic broke again to go 4-1 ahead it proved the last straw for
Nishikori’s brave challenge.
With all chance of winning gone, the pair shook hands at the net as the
Japanese number one decided it would be better not to risk any further long-
term damage.
Djokovic immediately wished his old foe Nishikori a speedy recovery after
beating him for the 16th time in 18 meetings.
“I love to battle, especially against Kei, we have played so many matches
in our careers,” said the Serb, who is chasing a record seventh Australian
Open title.
“I hope you can recover. I hope it’s not something serious that will take
too long. I wish him a speedy recovery.
“I’m sorry for everybody for not having a full match tonight but thank you
for showing up.”
Djokovic was exhausted after his late-night four-set win over Daniil
Medvedev on Monday and made no secret of his delight to escape the quarter-
final with such a light workout.
“As they say, this is exactly what the doctor ordered for me after the
match two nights ago,” Djokovic said. “Not to spend too much time on the
court.
“I’ve had plenty of matches so far this year and I am in another semi-
final and I will do everything to get ready for that one.”
Top seed Djokovic will now meet 28th seed Lucas Pouille on Friday after
the Frenchman reached his first Grand Slam semi-final by ousting Milos Raonic
in four sets.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1900HRS