By Erik Gudris | Saturday, March 15, 2014

 

Novak Djokovic struggled but prevailed over John Isner to reach the BNP Paribas Open final. Waiting for him is the in-form Roger Federer who seeks his fifth title at Indian Wells.

Photo Credit: AP

No. 2 seed Novak Djokovic struggled in his attempt to book a spot in Sunday's final at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells. But he made no mistake down the stretch in the deciding set against American hope John Isner.

The marquee semifinal between Djokovic and Isner was a repeat of their encounter in the same stage two years ago that Isner won. While Djokovic was expected to reach this stage, the former champion posted uneven performances in earlier rounds. Isner, despite being a former finalist, wasn't expected to reach the last stages given his recent injury issues.

Both men stayed level with each other throughout the opening set. That was until Isner held 0-40 on Djokovic's serve while up 5-4. After Isner just missed on a forehand during one of his set points, Djokovic would eventually escape to hold for 5-all.

Djokovic struck back in the next game with a potent return that Isner couldn't handle. Djokovic would then break Isner and soon serve out the set 7-5.

Though known for his massive serve, Isner held his own during many of the baseline rallies with Djokovic. That was especially true during the second set with Isner staying right with Djokovic, including when they exchanged backhands.

But Djokovic would make his move at 4-all when Isner netted a backhand down break point. Now up 5-4, Djokovic appeared poised to close out the match in style on his serve. Yet it was Isner who took the initiative with aggressive returning as he broke Djokovic for 5-all. Djokovic would break Isner again and have a second chance to serve it out. Isner responded in kind by breaking Djokovic at love to force a tiebreak.

Isner would again win a pivotal backhand to backhand rally with Djokovic midway through the tiebreak to secure a mini-break. From there, Isner closed out the second set with an ace and looked ready to pull off the upset.

A rattled Djokovic smashed his racquet early in the deciding set after missing a backhand pass. With Isner continuing to hold serve, the momentum appeared to be on the American's side as it was two years prior.

History would not repeat itself though as Isner would fire off an untimely double fault a few games later to give Djokovic a 3-1 lead. With Isner now dealing with a knee issue, it was up to Djokovic to hold onto his advantage. He did just that by ripping another big return to break Isner again for 5-1.

Making sure to close out the match this time, Djokovic delivered as he held serve to love in the final game. With that, Djokovic celebrated the hard fought 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-1 victory.

Federer Blows Out Dolgopolov in Semis

In the earlier semifinal, Roger Federer faced off against the surprise of the event in Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine.

Though Dolgopolov beat three seeded players, including Rafael Nadal, to reach the semifinals, he had few answers against Federer. After being tied with his opponent early in the first set, Federer went on a five game run to build a set and a break lead.

At 3-1 in the second set, Dolgopolov tried to hold serve in an extended game but missed several chances to do so. Federer made him pay by breaking again for 4-1. Soon, Federer wrapped up the convincing 6-3, 6-1 win in just over an hour.

Federer will now seek his fifth Indian Wells title against Djokovic in what will be their 33rd career meeting. Federer won their last match in Dubai last month and is currently on an 11-match win streak.