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By Erik Gudris | Saturday, May 17, 2014

 
Novak Djokovic Salutes Rome 2014

Novak Djokovic advanced into the Italian Open final after getting past Milos Raonic in three tense sets.

Photo Credit: AP

Novak Djokovic figured out a way to break his opponent's serve at just the right time en route to reaching the Italian Open final.

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But until the third set, nothing looked assured for the former No. 1 as Canada's Milos Raonic tested Djokovic throughout their semifinal meeting on Saturday. For Raonic, this marked his first appearance in the final four of an ATP 1000 clay event.

Strong serving from Raonic early in the opening set frustrated Djokovic as he attempted to break the Canadian. At 4-all, Djokovic would throw his racquet down in disgust after failing to set up a break point for himself. Raonic would create a set point for himself in the next game but failed to convert.

Eventually a tiebreak ensued with Djokovic taking an early 3-0 lead. Yet Raonic, thanks to several mistimed Djokovic shots, would level and soon claim several set points.

A huge serve from Raonic sealed the set 7-6(5).

Both men traded breaks in the beginning stages of the second set. Once again, yet another tiebreak was needed. This time, however. Djokovic would claim a lead and hold onto it as Raonic hit a backhand slice long down set point.

Djokovic, now feeling more comfortable handling Raonic's serve, would make his move in the opening game of the third. Breaking Raonic, Djokovic assumed control of the match.

Hanging on to his advantage, Djokovic would break Raonic in the last game to secure a hard fought 6-7(6), 7-6(4), 6-3 win in just over three hours.

Djokovic will now attempt to claim his third Italian Open title on Sunday against either Rafael Nadal or Grigor Dimitrov who play later.

 

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