Novak Djokovic sets up US Open semi-final showdown with Kei Nishikori
NOVAK DJOKOVIC will face Kei Nishikori in the US Open semi-final after a gruelling win over John Millman.
After Millman knocked out the Swiss legend Roger Federer in the fourth round, he was expected to be an awkward opponent.
Millman tested Djokovic for over three hours and there were some long points, with one point producing a 27-shot rally.
Djokovic appeared to struggle at points in the match and even had a 10-minute break with the humidity getting to both players.
Djokovic has reached the semi-finals in each year he has played at the US Open since 2007 so he will fancy his chances against Nishikori.
Djokovic admitted after the match that he was thankful for the break when Millman went off court to change shirts.
The Serbian paid tribute to his opponent and he is once again through to the last four of a Grand Slam.
Should he win the US Open, he will be behind just Federer and Rafael Nadal in the world rankings.
Roger Federer was knocked out by John Millman in the fourth round (Image: GETTY)
Novak Djokovic looked weary in the first set against John Millman (Image: GETTY)
First Set Highlights:
Novak Djokovic 6-3 John Millman
Another topsy-turvy game. Djokovic missed a smash from the baseline that he thought was drifting line and he looked a little tired, but clinches the first set as he draws an error from Millman on his second serve to the ad court.
Novak Djokovic 5-3 John Millman*
Millman drew some errors from Djokovic. There was a tired drop shot from Djokovic and while he got away from it, he was asked more questions and he will have to serve it out for the set.
*Novak Djokovic 5-2 John Millman
Djokovic digging deep, but he holds after he mixes up his serve with a slower one and Millman's forehand sails out. Djokovic also got his fifth forehand winner with a terrific shot down the line from behind the baseline.
Novak Djokovic 4-2 John Millman*
Djokovic loses a gripping game that lasted well over 15 minutes. Millman had a double fault, but there were some touches of class including a beautiful double-handed cross-court backhand. Millman getting to grips with the assignment.
*Novak Djokovic 4-1 John Millman
Djokovic rarely troubled so far. He had to flick a shot into the open court when Millman tried to play a slice down the line that landed awkardly, but Djokovic varying up his serve nicely.
Novak Djokovic 3-1 John Millman
A couple of errors coming off the backhand of Djokovic's racket. Millman took more of a risk with some bigger body shots and he's on the scoreboard.
*Novak Djokovic 3-0 John Millman
Djokovic giving Millman plenty to think about. Millman fires long with his backhand and he is yet to hit a winner in these opening few games.
Novak Djokovic 2-0 John Millman*
Djokovic needed two bites of the cherry to get the break. Some fabulous stuff and Djokovic making it physical. One point contained a 26-shot rally and one was a 27-stroke rally. Djokovic looking good on the short ball and is turning defence into attack very quickly.
John Millman put more pressure on Novak Djokovic in the second set (Image: GETTY)
