Nadal and Djokovic book semi-final clash

Novak Djokovic set up a mouthwatering Indian Wells semi-final showdown with nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, who the world number one Serb considers his biggest rival on the ATP Tour.

Both Nadal and Djokovic eased through their Indian Wells quarter-final contests in straight sets on Friday and will now square off in a match worthy of a title clash.

“It is going to be a game of cat and mouse,” Djokovic said. “I enjoy the rivalry against Rafa. It is probably the most exciting rivalry I have had in my career.”

World number five Nadal survived an early assault to defeat Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-4, 6-3 in the joint ATP and WTA Tour hardcourt tournament in the California desert.

The Nadal-Nishikori match kicked off a star-studded pair of Indian Wells quarter-finals on Friday featuring four of the world’s top 10 players.

Djokovic defeated ninth ranked Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, of France, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2).