Indian Wells: Nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal and World No.1 Novak Djokovic eased through their Indian Wells matches in straight sets Friday to set up a semifinal showdown worthy of a title clash. World number five Nadal survived an early assault to defeat Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals of the joint ATP and WTA Tour hardcourt tournament in the California desert.
The Nadal-Nishikori contest kicked off a star-studded pair of Indian Wells quarterfinals on Friday featuring four of the world’s top 10 players. Nadal next faces Djokovic who defeated ninth ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, of France, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2). “I beat a top 10 player and that is something that is important for my confidence,” Nadal said after the win over Nishikori, ranked sixth in the world.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity for me to play against another top player,” he added.
The swashbuckling Spaniard is looking for another stamp in his championship passport, having already won Indian Wells in 2007, 2009 and 2013 while Djokovic is going for a record fifth crown.
Nadal is also hoping to put to bed speculation that his career is on a downward spiral. He has won 14 Grand Slam titles but none in the past 18 months. Djokovic has had a distinct advantage against Nadal, coming out victorious in nine of their last 10 matches.
Djokovic blasted two aces, 18 winners and had four double faults in the two hour, six minute match on Friday. Tsonga had seven double faults and had his serve broken twice.
