Saturday, March 29, 2014

Djokovic gets free pass into Miami final

Novak Djokovic didn't need to hit a ball Friday after his opponent pulled out of their Miami Masters semifinal.
Novak Djokovic didn't need to hit a ball Friday after his opponent pulled out of their Miami Masters semifinal.
  • Novak Djokovic advances to the final of the Miami Masters without playing
  • Djokovic goes through after Kei Nishikori pulls out with a groin injury
  • It's the second time this tournament Djokovic benefits from a walkover
  • He will face either world No. 1 Rafael Nadal or Tomas Berdych in Sunday's final

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(CNN) -- Novak Djokovic got more good luck at the Miami Masters on Friday.

For the second time during the tournament, the world No. 2 didn't need to hit a ball to advance in the draw.

His third-round opponent, Florian Mayer, was a walkover because of a groin injury and now the Serb goes straight into Sunday's final after Kei Nishikori pulled out -- with a groin injury.

It was a bitter blow to Nishikori since the hard-hitting Japanese baseliner upset 17-time grand slam champion Roger Federer in the quarterfinals Wednesday and 2013 Miami finalist David Ferrer in a three-hour battle a day earlier.

Japan's 'rock star' tennis pro

Nishikori, who trains in Florida, was bidding to reach his maiden Masters final.

"Very sorry to say that I have to pull out today," the 21st-ranked Nishikori said on his Facebook page. "Very disappointed and I am obviously very sorry for any fans that wanted to come out for this match.

"This tournament is very special to me and (I) look forward to coming back in the years to come. I will work with my medical team to be back healthy as soon as possible."

Djokovic is one win away from doing the Indian Wells and Miami double, which would replicate his 2011 feat.

He will face either world No. 1 Rafael Nadal or former Wimbledon finalist Tomas Berdych in the final.

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