Djokovic sees off Raonic to reach Madrid semis

Novak Djokovic cruised past Milos Raonic to book a Madrid Open semi-final meeting with Kei Nishikori on Friday, winning 6-3 6-4.

Raonic had no answer to Djokovic's impressive display, failing to halt a dismal record against the world number one, which sees the Canadian having now lost 17 of the 18 sets the pair have contested.

One break in each set was enough for Djokovic to seal his progression but, in truth, his place in the last four never looked in a danger against a frustrated Raonic.

Djokovic was dominant on his own serve in the early stages and eventually made the breakthrough with a forehand pass to go 4-2 in front.

Raonic pushed Djokovic to deuce in the next game but was unable to force a break point, and the Serbian wrapped up the opener on his second set point.

The Canadian needed a strong start to the second but was left desperately clinging on to his own serve before Djokovic converted his fourth break point to assume an early advantage.

Two break points passed Raonic by in the next and the Canadian was being made to work hard simply to stay in touch, while a time violation warning left him raging at the umpire after pulling back to 3-2.

Raonic's win to love in the seventh game bucked the trend of the 25-year-old facing drawn-out battles on his own serve, but Djokovic knew he was in the box seat and faced little challenge in his service games.

However, after squandering a match point at 5-3 up, Djokovic was pushed all the way as he served out the match, eventually clinching victory as Raonic hit long.