Novak Djokovic rounds out semifinals

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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 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 won his quarterfinal match earlier Wednesday 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 over Kei Nishikori of Japan.

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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 linesman's chair during a line-call video challenge by Ferrer.

"I was lucky to get out of the second set. It was a big mental advantage to get two sets up," Djokovic said.

He also played down talk of any injuries.

"I don't have any physical issues," Djokovic said. "I feel very fit and I feel mentally, as well, very fresh. It's just today I found it very difficult after a long time to breathe because I felt the whole day my nose was closed a little bit. I just wasn't able to get enough oxygen."

The Nadal-Federer semifinal matchup has been rarely possible because the pair held the top two spots for most of the time between 2005 and 2010, meaning they could only meet in the finals after being placed in opposite sides of the draw.

Djokovic said he'd be watching the Nadal and Federer match like any tennis fan.

"I will enjoy it from my couch. They're two out of four or five of the greatest players to play this game, they've been so dominant," Djokovic said. "Every time they play it's a treat. I'm going to have a nice dinner at home and watch them."

Murray, for his part, is also surprised not to have to face Nadal in the semifinals.

"It has been amazing, I pretty much drew to be in Nadal's half ... almost every Slam," Murray said. "I can't remember the last time I wasn't in his half of the draw. It's been a long time."

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

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