Djokovic v Nadal: a preview

Novak Djokovic dominated both tiebreakers to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga at the BNP Paribas Open, setting up a 48th career meeting with Rafael Nadal.

Nadal, a three-time winner at Indian Wells, defeated Kei Nishikori 6-4 6-3 in the first men’s semifinal earlier on Friday under blazing sun.

In their most recent meeting, Djokovic crushed Nadal 6-1 6-2 to win the Qatar Open in January, one of the most lopsided matches in their long rivalry, which Djokovic leads 24-23.

“It’s a game of cat and mouse, in a way, mentally, who is going to be on top first, who is going to take over the control usually ends up as winner,” Djokovic said.

“I know that very beginning of the match is very, very important. Going to try to start well.”

Four-time Indian Wells champion Djokovic improved to 20-1 this year heading into Saturday’s match against Nadal, who is 12-4 in 2016.

“The fact that I have played somebody that was feeling good throughout the week, somebody that serves very, very big and plays very quick and efficient, precise forehands that gave me a lot of trouble today to win in straight sets and to win in two tiebreaks, it’s going to help definitely my confidence,” Djokovic said.

A resurgent Nadal has reached one final – at the aforementioned event in Doha – and three semis this year.

“I feel myself strong mentally. I feel myself with the right energy,” he said.

“I am able to fight for every ball. I am able to keep going during the whole match, believe in myself again, and that make me play with more energy, less nerves.

“That’s so important for me. It’s the way I play during all my career, and this week is being very, very positive for me.”