Novak Djokovic is in the Indian Wells Semifinals after a win over Stanislas Wawrinka in two sets, 7:6 6:2, after more than 2 hours of play. Novak is now a step away from the Final he played in last year.
At this point of the Masters Series tournament, one must look back on all what Novak has achieved in the last year/year and a half, success after success, breaking records, moving fast forward in ATP rankings, first Tier I title, Grand Slam title..
Now Novak is proving reputation of a Top 3 player, he cruised into the Indian Wells Semifinals in a way that look almost sub-real with all straigth sets wins playing better and better.
As a matter of fact, Novak has progressed so much and established himself so high in the world of tennis that now reporters refer to Novak's hard match even when he wins in straigth sets. Novak is becoming recognizes by the media that he matured for World #1 position.
Only ~18 months ago Novak threatened to Roger Federer he will throw him off his throne and Roger responded that there are many players who want that and Novak should first make it into the Top 20.
Well Novak is now there, plus he's the winner of Grand Slam title after defeating Roger in the Semifinals, now he is a slight favorite to win the Indian Wells Semifinal match against World #2 Rafael Nadal.
Novak's first set againt Stanislas was as exciting as Novak allowed any player in Indian Wells to make it. Stanislas had a break game lead at 6:5 when Novak made a break and 'the king of tie-breaks' once again showed his specialty to win the set 7:6.
First game of second set saw Stanislas' good resistence and had lasted 17 minutes with Novak using 5th break point. After losing service game and down 0:1, Stanislas seemed too tired to equal Novak's play.
Novak's impression of the match: 'It's normal to have some difficult stages in the tournament and sets and matches. This was the one. This was really a test for me. I'm happy to win such a difficult match. We played over two hours only two sets, the time (shows) that we had such long rallies. But in the end I won, and that's what matters'.
Stanislas' impressions: 'When you play the important points, he knows exactly how to play and he does it well. I take a lot of positive things from the match. I was close to winning the first set, and then I was playing very well. So I'm happy with my game and with this tournament'. This was Stanislas' first career ATP Master Series Quarterfinal.
Novak's Semifinal match against Rafael will be on schedule tomorrow, March 22nd, not before 1pm local time. Today's Quarterfinal matches include Roger vs. Tommy (Hass) and David Nalbandian vs. Mardy Fish.
