Novak Djokovic downs Ernest Gulbis in Montreal as Rafa Nadal bows to Kei Nishikori
Djokovic to take on France’s Chardy; Japanese will face winner of Murray-Tsonga
Novak Djokovic had to fight off an upset bid from qualifier Ernests Gulbis, finally defeating the Latvian 5-7, 7-6 (9-7), 6-1 on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Montreal Masters.
It took a long time to finally beat him, but I’m very happy to win my first match against Rafael
But Rafael Nadal, like Djokovic a former champion at the event, was unable to escape an on-form Kei Nishikori as the fourth seed sent out the Spaniard 6-2, 6-4, thanks in part to six double-faults from Nadal.
Nishikori is riding a wave of momentum from his hardcourt title last week in Washington and will next face second seed Andy Murray who beat French 10th-seeded holder Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-4, 6-4 and took revenge for a semi-final loss a year ago in Canada..
Nishikori won his first match against Nadal after seven losses, taking just under 90 minutes to advance in his best Canadian showing.
“It took a long time to finally beat him, but I’m very happy to win my first match against Rafael,” said Nishikori, ranked fourth on the ATP. “I’m quite pleased with my form from last week. I just hope I can keep it going and get another title.”
Seventh seed Nadal was playing in Canada for the first time since winning his third title here in 2013; he now stands 28-7 in the country.
Djokovic found himself down a set and a break against the Gulbis whose form comes and goes without warning.