Nishikori stops Wawrinka

World number one Djokovic, now 12-0 against Monfils, has the opportunity to become the tournament’s first four-time winner when he meets Nishikori in Sunday’s final. Nishikori came from 2-5 down in the opening set to stun Wawrinka 7-6(6) 6-1 in the first semi-final at the Aviva Centre. 

Monfils came into the semi-finals having won nine straight matches, including the Citi Open title in Washington, D.C. last Sunday.

Djokovic overcame a service break in the third game and was dialled in the rest of the way in the 74-minute match. The Serb evaluated his play as his best of the week. “It came at the right time,” Djokovic said in a courtside interview. “You never know what is going to come the other way from a guy who has been in top form in the last couple of weeks. 

“He won in Washington last week and came in here and won comfortably in most of his matches. I had to stay committed from the beginning and I’m very, very pleased with the way I played,” he said.