MELBOURNE, Australia – Appearing uncomfortable for much of the match, defending champion Novak Djokovic held on to beat David Ferrer 6-4, 7-6 (4), 6-1 Wednesday night and complete a blockbuster semifinal lineup at the Australian Open.
Djokovic leads the top four men in tennis into the semis at Melbourne Park, advancing to a matchup against No. 4 Andy Murray, who defeated Kei Nishikori of Japan earlier Wednesday.
On Thursday, No. 2 Rafael Nadal plays No. 3 Roger Federer, the first time the two former top-ranked stars have met in a semifinal since the 2005 French Open.
It marks only the third time that the top four seeds have advanced to the semis at the Australian Open — it previously happened in 1988 and 2005. It was also the 14th time at all Grand Slams since the Open Era began in 1968, but the third time in the last four majors, including the U.S. Open and French Open last year.
Djokovic rubbed the back of his upper left leg on several occasions, looked on the verge of being physically sick in the second set and buried his head in towels several times during breaks. During the third set, a tired-looking Djokovic sat down on a
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