MIAMI, April 2: World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic will face Japan�s Kei Nishikori in the ATP and WTA Miami Open final after straight-set triumphs Friday in which both were tested.
Djokovic, an 11-time Grand Slam champion whose three titles this year include the Australian Open, downed Belgian 15th seed David Goffin 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.
The 28-year-old Serbian will try to match the career record of six Miami crowns won by Andre Agassi by capturing his third consecutive title at the hardcourt event.
�It�s a privilege just to be mentioned alongside Andre Agassi,� Djokovic said.
Sixth seed Nishikori, the 2014 US Open runner-up, downed Australian 24th seed Nick Kyrgios 6-3, 7-5.
�First Miami final, that makes me very happy,� Nishikori said.
Djokovic has a 6-2 career edge over Nishikori, including five wins in a row, most recently in this year�s Australian Open quarterfinals.
�It�s going to be tough for sure. He has been playing well,� Nishikori said. �I played him in Australia. I will try to come up with something better.�
Djokovic won his 15th consecutive Miami match and the 29th of his past 30, but only after winning a tense tie-breaker and taking the lone break of the second set, prompting a post-match kissing of the court.
�I wanted to make sure the court feels my love,� Djokovic said. �A little kiss for goodbye and I�ll see you in two days. I�ve had so many beautiful memories on that court. It�s one of my favourite courts.�
Djokovic improved to 27-1 on the season, which has included his 11th career Grand Slam title and crowns at Doha and Indian Wells.
He could claim the Miami-Indian Wells double for the third year in a row and his 63rd career title on Sunday.
Squared 4-4 in the tie-breaker, Goffin hit an overhead smash that Djokovic sent back as a lob inside the far baseline to keep the point alive and later took full advantage by winning it with a forehand drop volley winner.
�I was a bit fortunate in the tie-breaker but I made him play the extra shot,� said Djokovic. � AFP
