The second semi-final in the mens draw will be decided on Thursday as Alexandr Dolgopolov takes on Tomas Berdych (4-4 at time of writing) and Rafael Nadal plays Milos Raonic.  A prediction will be added to this article on Friday morning.  In the meantime, here is a preview for the first semi-final between Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori.

Note – Nishikori has pulled out of the tournament with an injury therefore Djokovic has advanced to the final.

Novak Djokovic

In my preview for the quarter-finals, I went for Roger Federer to beat Kei Nishikori in two quick sets.  It appears I owe Kei an apology! Nishikori has had some big wins in his career, but coming from a set and a break down against an inspired Federer may be the best of the lot.  Nishikori won 3-6 7-5 6-4 in two hours and eight minutes to secure his second win over Federer having defeated him in Madrid last year.  I’ve always liked Nishikori, but have been concerned about his fitness and how prone he is to injury.  In the fourth round, he needed three hours to get past David Ferrer and I thought that match may have wiped him out.

Nishikori will play Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals after the Serb world number two beat Andy Murray, 7-5 6-3.  Djokovic played a really solid match, which was somewhat overshadowed by the racquet over the net incident.  Coming away from the match, it was Murray’s positive performance that left more of an impression on me.  Djokovic and Nishikori have played each other twice with Nishikori winning their last match in Basel in 2011, 2-6 7-6(4) 6-0.  I cannot for the life of me, remember that match and particularly a third set bagel.  Djokovic will be wary of the threat that Nishikori poses, but will still be the heavy favourite to win this match.

Prediction: Djokovic d. Nishikori in 2 sets (1 tight, 1 easy)