By Chris Oddo | Friday, March 28, 2014
Kei Nishikori announced his withdrawal from Friday's Sony Open semifinal, meaning Novak Djokovic is into the final.
Photo: Christopher Levy
Novak Djokovic's road to the elusive Indian Wells-Miami Double just got a little easier, as his semifinal opponent for Friday has withdrawn due to injury.
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20th-seed Kei Nishikori, who upset Roger Federer in three sets on Wednesday night in what was viewed by many as the match of the 2014 Sony Open, made the announcement via social media early Friday afternoon.
Per tennis blogger Josh Mieseles, the injury is an issue with the 24-year-old's left groin:
Djokovic will face the winner of tonight's second semifinal between Rafael Nadal and Tomas Berdych in Sunday's final. The Serb will bid to become the third player in history to claim the Indian Wells-Miami double twice, and the first to do it since Roger Federer in 2006.