(Reuters) - Defending champion and top seed Novak Djokovic moved a step closer to a fifth title at Indian Wells with a 7-6(5) 6-2 victory over long-time rival Rafa Nadal in the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas Open in California on Saturday.
Djokovic and Nadal treated the fans to several compelling rallies at the sun-baked Indian Wells Tennis Garden but the Serb, for the most part, held the upper hand and broke his opponent twice in the second set to secure victory.
After a protracted encounter that lasted nearly two hours, Australian Open champion Djokovic booked his place in Sunday's final where he will meet Canadian Milos Raonic, a 6-3 3-6 6-3 winner against Belgian David Goffin.