INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Novak Djokovic dominated both tiebreakers to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2), at the BNP Paribas Open on Friday, setting up a semifinal against Rafael Nadal featuring two players who own a combined seven titles in the California desert.
Nadal defeated Kei Nishikori, 6-4, 6-3, connecting on 89 percent of his first serves in a match played in 91-degree heat under a relentless sun. Nadal is a three-time winner at Indian Wells.
Serena Williams rallied after squandering a 3-0 lead in the second set to beat Agnieszka Radwanska, 6-4, 7-6 (1), and reach the final for the first time since 2001, when she won before boycotting the event for 14 years.