Novak Djokovic enjoyed a relaxed day at the office in the Miami Open semi-final. The six-time champion sailed past his great friend and last year's finalist Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-3in an hour and 10minutes. Novak will chase his 100th ATP title against Jakub Mensik or Taylor Fritz.
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Dimitrov survived a match point against Francisco Cerundolo two days ago. The Bulgarian prevailed after a massive battle and lost all the energy, barely leaving the court on his legs. As was expected, he had nothing left in the tank for Djokovic.
Like against Lorenzo Musetti, Novak lost serve in the first game of the encounter. He took charge after that and dominated on serve and return en route to his 60th Masters 1000 final, achieving another milestone that will take some beating.
Dimitrov made a push on the return in the first game of the duel and delivered a break at 15 for an early advantage. Djokovic kept his composure and pulled the break back at love in the second game, locking the result at 1-1.
They served well in the next three games, and Novak stepped in on the return at 3-2. The veteran provided his second break and forged the advantage. The six-time winner cemented the break with a fine hold in game seven.
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Grigor served to stay in the set at 2-5 and experienced another break, allowing world no. 5 to wrap up the opener in just over 30 minutes. The Serb served well in the second set and kept the pressure on the other side.
Novak delivered a break in the second game after Grigor's wayward forehand, moving a set and a break in front and closer to the finish line. The 24-time Major winner held at love in game three, controlling the scoreboard and outplaying his good friend.
Dimitrov recovered a bit and provided comfortable holds in games four and six, remaining within one break behind. Djokovic took an extended rally in the seventh game and closed it after the rival's wayward forehand for a 5-2 advantage.
Grigor served to stay in the match in game eight and faced a match point after a careless backhand. The Bulgarian denied it with a service winner and held with another to reduce the deficit to 5-3. Novak served for the win in game nine.
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The legend landed a service winner for a match point and seized it with another to book his place in the title clash.
