Novak Djokovic marches into semi-finals of Australian Open as Kei Nishikori is forced to retire with injury
- Kei Nishikori was forced to retire hurt with a thigh injury against Novak Djokovic
- The Japanese star had to take a medical time-out after the first set
- No 1 seed Djokovic progressed 6-1, 4-1 and faces Lucas Pouille for a place in final
Novak Djokovic was given an easy passage through to the semi-finals of the Australian Open when opponent Kei Nishikori retired.
The eighth seed had come through three five-set matches, including a five-hour epic against Pablo Carreno Busta in the previous round, and was struggling from the start.
He received treatment to his right thigh at the end of the first set but, after going 6-1, 4-1 down, Nishikori shook his head and then the hand of Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Wednesday
The No 1 seed acknowledges the crowd after the conclusion of his quarter-final match
Kei Nishikori was forced to retire hurt after suffering with a thigh injury in the match
The top seed and six-time champion will now meet Frenchman Lucas Pouille, a maiden Grand Slam semi-finalist, on Friday for a place in Sunday’s final.
The world No 1 said: ‘I love to battle, especially against Kei, we’ve played so many matches.
‘I hope he can recover, I hope it’s not something that is very serious. I’m sorry for everybody for not having a full match tonight.’
The Japanese star received treatment to the thigh problem at the end of the first set
The Serb will now face Frenchman Lucas Pouille for a place in the Australian Open final
Djokovic had endured his own physical battle against Daniil Medvedev on Monday and admitted afterwards that he was feeling the effects.
‘This is exactly what the doctor ordered,’ he said, ‘Not to spend too much time on the court.
‘I’m in another semi-final and I’ll do everything to get ready for that one.’