Djokovic v Murray in Madrid final

World No.1 Novak Djokovic will meet No.2 Andy Murray in the Madrid Open final on Sunday (Monday AEST) after beating Kei Nishikori in straight sets 6-3 7-6(4).

Defending champion Murray knocked out home favourite Rafael Nadal in Saturday’s other semifinal on clay at the Caja Magica in the Spanish capital, repeating his victory over the Spaniard in last year’s final after winning 7-5 6-4.

Djokovic looked on course for a comfortable win after breaking world No.6 Nishikori twice in the first set and earning three match points in the second when he was 5-4 up.

The Japanese fought back, however, saving the three match points and breaking the Serbian before forcing the tie break, where Djokovic prevailed 7-4.

Earlier, Murray broke Nadal in the Spaniard’s second service game but lost his serve before breaking his opponent again to clinch the first set.

The Scot broke Nadal’s third service game in the second and held his serve, taking advantage of a second match point after spurning the first.

“It’s easy after winning a tight first set to drop your intensity or your level and I really tried to stay on top at the beginning of the second and that was important,” Murray said.

Nadal admitted Murray deserved to win but said the defeat, which prevents the Spaniard from collecting a third successive ATP title after winning the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open, would not affect his mentality ahead of the French Open later this month.

“I’ve had a good week, reaching another semi-final in the Masters and demonstrated a high level of consistency,” he added.