Novak Djokovic drops set, but overcomes Kei Nishikori to reach Italian Open semis

World number one Novak Djokovic is just two wins away from claiming the Italian Open title after sealing a 6-3 3-6 6-1 victory over Kei Nishikori.

The Serbian struck first by snatching his opponent's serve at the first time of asking in the opening set.

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As the contest went on, both players struggled to break the other down, but Djokovic's early steal was enough to give him a one-set lead on the clay surface.

Games went by way of serve in the early stages of the second set, but this time it was Nishikori who struck to go a break up and eventually force through a decider.

Djokovic tried to end the contest swiftly by snatching an early break of serve, and from that point on, Nishikori struggled to bounce back as he could only put one game on the board in the third set.

Djokovic will face David Ferrer in the semi-finals.