Nole powers past Ferrer; Murray into final after Rafa withdraws from Miami

World number one Novak Djokovic saw off the challenge of dangerous Spaniard David Ferrer to reach the last four of the Miami Masters.

Having surrendered the first set, winning just two games, Ferrer twice recovered from a break down in the second to force a tie-break and threaten a comeback against the top seed. 

Nole however upped his game and produced an almost perfect tiebreak to eventually triumph 6-2 7-6(1).

It was exactly the sort of response we have come to expect from the Serbian and he goes on to play Juan Monaco of France in the semi-finals tomorrow morning.

The Frenchman surprisingly crushed local hope Mardy Fish 6-1 6-3.

Andy Murray was due to take on Rafael Nadal tonight in the other semi, but the Spanish star withdrew from injury, meaning the Scot has reached the final despite playing only three matches.

Maria Sharapova came from behind to defeat former world number one Caroline Wozniacki and reach the final of the women’s tournament.

The Russian beauty prevailed 4-6 6-2 6-4 against an angry Wozniacki, who refused to shake the umpire’s hand after the official overturned a lineswoman’s decision in the final game. The ruling was correct but the Dane had no challenges left to contest the decision.

As a result, Sharapova will contest her fourth Miami masters final against Pole Agnieszka Radwanska. She recorded a 6-4 6-2 victory over Marion Bartoli of France.

Jamie Jubon