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Four-time champion Novak Djokovic handled Milos Raonic, while Stan Wawrinka kept his hopes of a repeat Australian Open title alive by besting fifth-seeded Kei Nishikori in straight sets on Wednesday. The world No. 1 Djokovic dismissed the eighth-seeded Canadian star Raonic 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, 6-2, while the fourth-seeded Wawrinka fired 20 aces and was broken just once in a 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) quarterfinal victory over the U.S. Open runner-up Nishikori at Rod Laver Arena.
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The reigning Wimbledon champion Djokovic, who is now 5-0 versus Raonic, is seeking an eighth Grand Slam title. He captured three straight Aussie crowns from 2011-13.
A five-set thriller was played between Wawrinka and Nishikori at last year's U.S. Open, and it was Nishikori who survived the 4-hour, 15-minute marathon.
The evenly-matched opponents were on the court for less than half that in this one.
The defending champ dominated the first set and did not face a break point until he was serving out the second ahead 5-4. Nishikori had three chances at pulling even, but Wawrinka's overpowering serve closed it out.
Nishikori finally earned a break early in the third, but Wawrinka countered with one of his own at love. Three aces early in the tiebreak helped Wawrinka jump out to a healthy 6-1 lead.
After staving off five match points, Nishikori hit a drop shot that fell into the net, and Wawrinka finished him off with another big ace.
Wawrinka should have his hands full with Djokovic in the semis, but the Swiss star did upset the Serbian great in five sets in the quarterfinals at last year's Aussie.
[SportsNetwork.com]
