Djokovic, Goffin to meet at Miami Open

Omnisports

March 31, 2016 3:31 AM

David Goffin faces the unenviable task of meeting Novak Djokovic after the duo reached the Miami Open semi-finals.

___4863689___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4863689___2016___3___31___7___novakdjokovic-cropped_18sqax3qvqwdo1bckooplmr62b

Goffin overcame a slow start to beat Gilles Simon in their last-eight clash at the ATP 1000 event on Wednesday.

Awaiting him is Djokovic, who dominated Tomas Berdych once again to advance at a tournament he has won five times. DJOKOVIC DOMINATES

Serbian world number one Djokovic made it 23 wins in 25 matches against Czech Berdych, claiming a 6-3 6-3 victory.

The win was also Djokovic's 10th consecutive over Berdych, an incredible streak dating back to 2013.

A Berdych victory never looked likely at the ATP 1000 event, broken on his opening two service games to be immediately on the back foot.

Djokovic also broke to start the second set and while he required a medical timeout for treatment on his back, he closed out victory in one hour, 40 minutes. GOFFIN FIGHTS PAST SIMON

The Belgian missed his chances early before completing a 3-6 6-2 6-1 victory over Simon in the day's opening quarter-final.

Goffin failed to convert any of his six break points in the first set and was punished, but he took his opportunities after that.

He broke three times in the second set and twice more in the third to win inside two hours. SIMON STEALS OPENER

Simon had managed to pinch the first set despite winning just seven return points.

In the third set, the Frenchman won just four points against the Goffin serve – leaving him with no chance.

Such has been Djokovic's dominance against Berdych, the Czech has won just two sets in his 10 consecutive losses to the Serbian. GOFFIN RUES EARLY MISSES

"I had so many opportunities to come back in the set. I didn't take my opportunities to come back," he said.

"I knew that the level was there and I had to keep going like this, just to stay more focused on some shots to finish the points. Maybe just be more precise, because I knew that I was feeling really good." KYRGIOS, RAONIC TO MEET

The other semi-finalists will be decided on Thursday, with Kei Nishikori taking on Gael Monfils in one last-eight clash. The other will see big servers Milos Raonic and Nick Kyrgios do battle.

Omnisports

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!