TENNIS in DEPTH.

Novak Djokovic extended his unbeaten start to the year as he set up a semi-final against new American number one Mardy Fish at the Sony Ericsson Open. The Australian Open champion beat South African Kevin Anderson 6-4 6-2, gaining revenge for a shock defeat to the same unseeded player in their only previous meeting, three years ago at the same Miami event. Djokovic saved five break points and held his serve throughout the match to clinch a clash with Fish in the last four. The 23-year-old Serbian has now won his opening 22 matches of the year and is seeking a fourth title in 2011, having beaten Andy Murray, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in his three finals so far. He is chasing his second Miami title, having won the event in 2007.

While Djokovic is enjoying a stellar season and stands at number two in the world, Fish, 29, has his own landmark achievement to celebrate. The 29-year-old will overtake Andy Roddick to become the highest-ranked American after reaching the semi-finals by beating Spain’s sixth seed David Ferrer 7-5 6-2. He will climb to at least 11th place when the new lists are published next week.

Bookmark It