World number one Novak Djokovic overcame a sore neck and an early scare to defeat Spain`s Roberto Bautista Agut 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(0) in the semi-finals of the Western & Southern Open on Friday, setting up a showpiece match against Canadian Milos Raonic.
The 17-time Grand Slam winner fired off 14 aces to keep his 2020 unbeaten streak alive, extending his record to 22-0 with his latest victory at Flushing Meadows, which is temporary host to the fan-less tournament amid the new coronavirus outbreak.
Djokovic, who has been struggling with a neck injury and received assistance from a tournament physio in the second set, held on to prevail in the third set as his opponent forced the match into a tiebreak.
He will next take on Raonic, who harnessed his monster serve to upset Greek world number six Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6(5), 6-3 in their semi-final clash, launching 12 aces and winning 90% of his first serves to earn a spot in his 22nd final.
The Canadian faces long odds to beat Djokovic, who has triumphed in all 10 of their previous meetings.
"I`m moving much better than I definitely have in recent years," he told reporters. "I`m able to play more on my terms and quicker in the points."
The pair meet on Saturday in the final of the tune-up event for the U.S. Open, with the Grand Slam starting on Monday.
