Tokyo Olympics 2020: Novak Djokovic advances into the semi-finals, defeats Kei Nishikori

World No. 1 and the top-seeded Novak Djokovic demolishes yet another opponent at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 as he blasts past local boy Kei Nishikori in the quarter-finals of the Men’s Singles event. Novak defeated Kei 6-2, 6-0 in 1 hour and 10 minutes to move into the medal rounds of the Olympics this year, his 3rd semi-final appearance at the Olympics in 4 appearances.

Novak came into the match not having dropped a single set and continues his streak as he proved to be too good for the Japanese who himself was in great form coming into the match. Djokovic had a rather off service game today but made up for it in his returns and discipline committing just 12 forced and 13 unforced errors while Nishikori had 27 forced and 16 unforced errors.

In a rare occurrence, Djokovic managed only 3 aces and had 4 double faults. In the previous 3 rounds, he had combined 2 double faults. Novak, however, was precise in his planning winning 92% of the net points he went for and created 10 break-points chances for himself winning 5 of those. He offered a solitary break-point for Nishikori but defended it successfully in another dominating performance.

Novak Djokovic chasing a Double at the Olympics this year

This win extends Djokovic’s record against Nishikori to 17-2 having last lost a match against the Japanese in the semi-finals of the 2014 US Open. Novak will have to wait to know his semi-final opponent as he is set to play the winner of Germany’s Alexander Zverev and France’s Jeremy Chardy who will be taking the court shortly.

While Novak confirms his qualification in the semi-finals of the Men’s Singles at this year’s Olympics, he stands a chance to make it into the semi-finals of the Mixed Doubles as well. Djokovic along with partner Nina Stojanovic will be taking on Germany’s Laura Siegemund and Kevin Krawietz in the quarter-finals on the Centre Court later in the day.

The Serbians previously met Brazil’s Luisa Stefani and Marcelo Melo in the first round and went on to defeat them 6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour and 9 minutes to advance into the quarter-finals.

With a shot at the double in the Olympics games, Djokovic will certainly be looking to win both and write yet another chapter in his glorious 2021 season which is undoubtedly turning out to be the Serbian’s year.

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