Nishikori left and Djokovic is semifinalist of the Australian Open

[Inkriql]

Serbian Novak Djokovic, number one in the ATP ranking, advanced for the seventh time to the semifinals at the Australian Open, which takes place in Melbourne, after defeating the Japanese Kei Nishikori 6-1, 4-1 and abandoned because of of muscular discomfort.

The Japanese (8 ATP) accused the effort made in the match against Spanish Pablo Carreño (23 ATP) in which he triumphed 6-7 (10-8 tie break), 4-6, 7-6 (7-4) ), 6-4 and 7-6 (10-8) after more than five hours of play.

For his part, Djokovic will face in the next round the Frenchman Lucas Pouille (26 ATP), who won in the other semifinal to the Canadian Milos Raonic (16 ATP) by 7-6 (7-4), 6-3, 6- 7 (7-2) and 6-4, in three hours and two minutes of play.

It will be the first game between the Serb and the French despite practically seven years of playing in the circuit and four as players in the top 100.

Djokovic will seek a final that could be the prelude to his seventh title at Melbourne Park, which would serve to overcome his Swiss rival Roger Federer and be the most decorated tennis player at the Australian Open.

The remaining semifinal will be played by Spaniard Rafael Nadal (2 ATP), who beat American Frances Tiafoe (39 ATP) by 6-3, 6-4 and 6-2, and the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas (14 ATP) who won against the Spanish Roberto Bautista Agut by 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 and 7-6 (7-2).