Serb sees off Ferrer to keep title defence on course in Melbourne
Defending champion Novak Djokovic booked a semi-final against Andy Murray at the Australian Open with a straight-sets win over David Ferrer.
Djokovic saw off the challenge of fifth seed Ferrer 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 in Wednesday night's quarter-final on the Rod Laver Arena.
The world number one's reward is a clash with British hope Murray in the last four, a repeat of the 2011 final which the Serb won in straight sets to set the tone for a year of dominance.
Djokovic secured the opening break in the fifth game before going on to serve out the first set in 58 minutes.
But the Serb was being made to work hard for every point and cut an increasingly unhappy figure, clutching his leg during breaks in play despite appearing to move freely when the action resumed.
Ferrer showed his resilience, twice retrieving breaks in the second set, including when Djokovic served for it at 6-5.
Blown chance
A tie-break was required and the Spaniard battled into a 4-2 lead only to waste his opportunity.
Djokovic reeled off five points in a row to turn the tie-break around and claim a two-set lead.
Ferrer dropped his opening service game of the third set and, from there, Djokovic was able to close out the result without alarm.
"I wasn't feeling very fresh after playing almost an hour for the opening set," said Djokovic afterwards.
"I figured out I need to step in and need to be closer to the line - that is the only way I can win.
"It was a great match. We played almost three hours. I was lucky to get out of the second set and it was a big mental advantage to get 2-0 up."
On his next match against Murray, Djokovic added: "I'm going to need more than that. Andy is playing great, he has shown he's in great shape and has Ivan Lendl on his side.
"He is physically fit and eager to win his first grand slam."
