World number one Novak Djokovic produced a resilient performance on Friday as he overcame his Japanese opponent Kei Nishikori in three sets to progress to the Italian Open semifinals.
The Serbian battled past fifth-seeded Nishikori 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in their quarterfinal contest that lasted one hour and 48 minutes.
Djokovic will next face David Ferrer , who overcame David Goffin 6-2, 4-6, 6-3, for a spot in his sixth final in Rome.