MX23RW : Sunday, November 24 15:40:20| >> :600:400547705:400547705:

Sluggish Novak Djokovic progresses

Sluggish Djokovic progresses
© PA Photos
Novak Djokovic progresses through to the semi-finals at Indian Wells despite an under-par performance against Nicolas Almagro.

Novak Djokovic has progressed through to the semi-finals at Indian Wells despite an under-par performance against Nicolas Almagro.

The world number one, who had seen off Pablo Andujar Alba just 24 hours earlier, appeared jaded but came good on the big points to claim a 6-3 6-4 win.

The Serb was the first to break serve, doing so in the fourth game, but he was immediately pegged back by superior hitting from his Spanish opponent.

Almagro then wasted his good work with an error-filled game, as Djokovic made it three consecutive games against serve and then shakily served out for the set.

Djokovic struggled to make an impact against the Almagro serve early in the second set and twice had to call on big first serves to retain his own.

After failing to convert four break points in a 12-minute game seven, Djokovic finally gained the crucial second-set break in game nine, when his backhand, which had failed him consistently throughout the match, finally came good and delivered a tidy cross-court volley.

ID:20078: cacheID:20078:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2011:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Novak Djokovic
Read Next:
Djokovic battles into Indian quarters
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
6pm
Vikings
@
Bears
6pm
Lions
@
Colts
6pm
Patriots
@
Dolphins
6pm
Buccaneers
@
Giants
6pm
Chiefs
@
Panthers
6pm
Titans
@
Texans
6pm
Cowboys
@
Washington
9.05pm
Broncos
@
Raiders
9.25pm
49ers
@
Packers
9.25pm
Cardinals
@
Seahawks


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!