Imperious Novak Djokovic cruises past Kei Nishikori to reach US Open final
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Updated 08/09/2018 at 01:52 GMT
Novak Djokovic breezed past Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-4 6-2 to secure his place in the final of the US Open with consummate ease.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates victory following his men's singles semi-final match against Kei Nishikori of Japan on Day Twelve of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Image credit: Getty Images
The sixth seed, who is eyeing a third title at Flushing Meadows after triumphs in 2011 and 2015, was never remotely troubled by the Japanese player in a one-sided semi-final.
It was a second underwhelming contest on Arthur Ashe after Rafael Nadal was forced to retire injured following the second set of his last-four clash against Juan Martin Del Potro.
Djokovic, who was beaten by Nishikori in New York in 2014, improved his head-to-head record to 15 wins from 17 meetings with the victory after just two hours and 23 minutes.
Djokovic looked imperious from the outset as he dictated the running from the back of the court and remained in total control throughout.
Remarkably, it is the eighth US Open final the Serb has reached, and he could hardly look any more impressive in doing so as he continued his fine form in New York.
The 21st seed from Japan was simply unable to stamp his authority on the match at any point and also appeared to have to contend with a few niggles as he was given the runaround by his opponent.
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Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates victory following his men's singles semi-final match against Kei Nishikori of Japan on Day Twelve of the 2018 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center
Image credit: Getty Images
Comfortable breaks of serve came in each set as the dominant Serb cantered to victory to set up an enticing showpiece encounter with the hugely impressive Del Potro.
Both former champions in New York, Djokovic will be looking to deny the Argentine a second title after he went all the way in 2009.
For the 31-year-old Djokovic, victory on Sunday would represent a second Slam in succession after his Wimbledon triumph and 14th in a remarkable career.
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