By Erik Gudris | Friday, May 16, 2014
Novak Djokovic, though stretched to the limit by David Ferrer, advanced into the Italian Open semifinals.
Photo Credit: AP
Novak Djokovic once again found his best when needed to advance into the Italian Open semifinals with a grinding three set win.
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After posting a comeback win in his third round versus Philipp Kohlschreiber, Djokovic found himself up against No. 5 seed David Ferrer in Friday's quarterfinal. Djokovic, securing two breaks in the opening set, would soon serve for the set up 5-3.
But with several errors, Djokovic would allow Ferrer to break back and soon level the set at 5-all.
Serving down set point at 5-6, Ferrer thought he heard a let cord noise but didn't stop play. Losing the point and the set 7-5, Ferrer would argue with the umpire to no avail.
Ferrer, in danger of dropping serve early in the second set, recovered to hold for 1-all. Despite light rain falling on court, play continued on with Ferrer breaking for 4-3 thanks to a fine backhand pass. Fighting off break points against him midway through the set, Ferrer eventually served it out 6-4.
The final set proved a tough battle for both players at the baseline. Djokovic would find himself stretched to the limit as he saved several Ferrer shots before winning an extended rally.
Breaking Ferrer at love for 3-1, Djokovic looked poised to wrap up the match. But Ferrer did not wilt as he broke straight back for 3-2. Djokovic would again break Ferrer for 5-3 but the outcome was not yet decided.
Serving at match point, the No. 2 seed threw in an ill-timed double fault. Both men then battled in a 38-shot rally on the next point that Djokovic prevailed in to earn yet another match point. This time, Djokovic didn't blink as he served out the 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory after over two hours and 30 minutes.
Djokovic will now face Canada's Milos Raonic in the semifinals.
Earlier, Raonic faced France's Jeremy Chardy who defeated Roger Federer earlier in the week. Raonic edged out the Frenchman with a 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 win.
Rome is now the first semifinal appearance for Raonic at an ATP 1000 clay event.
No. 12 seed Grigor Dimitrov advanced over No. 15 seed Tommy Haas who retired from their quarterfinal due to injury after losing the first set 6-2. Rome marks the first ATP 1000 semifinal appearance for Dimitrov.