Novak Djokovic and Kei Nishikori advance to Miami final

World number one and defending champion Novak Djokovic will face Japan’s Kei Nishikori in the ATP and WTA Miami Open final after straight-set triumphs Friday in which both were tested. Djokovic, an 11-time Grand Slam champion whose three titles this year include the Australian Open, downed Belgian 15th seed David Goffin 7-6 (7/5), 6-4.

The 28-year-old Serbian will try to match the career record of six Miami crowns won by Andre Agassi by capturing his third consecutive title at the hardcourt event. “It’s a privilege just to be mentioned alongside Andre Agassi,” Djokovic said. Sixth seed Nishikori, the 2014 US Open runner-up, downed Australian 24th seed Nick Kyrgios 6-3, 7-5.

“First Miami final, that makes me very happy,” Nishikori said. Djokovic has a 6-2 career edge over Nishikori, including five wins in a row, most recently in this year’s Australian Open quarter-finals. “It’s going to be tough for sure. He has been playing well,” Nishikori said. “I played him in Australia. I will try to come up with something better.” Djokovic won his 15th consecutive Miami match and the 29th of his past 30, but only after winning a tense tie-breaker and taking the lone break of the second set, prompting a post-match kissing of the court. “I wanted to make sure the court feels my love,” Djokovic

A little kiss for goodbye and I’ll see you in two days. I’ve had so many beautiful memories on that court. It’s one of my favorite courts.” Djokovic improved to 27-1 on the season, which has included his 11th career Grand Slam title and crowns at Doha and Indian Wells. He could claim the Miami-Indian Wells double for the third year in a row and his 63rd career title on Sunday.

Squared 4-4 in the tie-breaker, Goffin hit an overhead smash that Djokovic sent back as a lob inside the far baseline to keep the point alive and later took full advantage by winning it with a forehand drop volley winner. “I was a bit fortunate in the tie-breaker but I made him play the extra shot,” said Djokovic. “I anticipated where he might smash that ball and he framed it a little bit and that allowed me to get that height. Right place at the right time.” Added Goffin: “I was a little bit tired at the end of the point and it was tough to finish it.”