Two of the Indian Wells Masters' two most successful male tennis stars will meet in the semifinals Saturday, while an all-time great in the women's game advanced to the finals. After beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Novak Djokovic will face Rafael Nadal, who beat Kei Nishikori, on Saturday in the Indian Wells semifinals.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams beat Agnieszka Radwanska to reach the finals, where she will play against Victoria Azarenka. No woman has won the Indian Wells more than twice, and Williams has the chance to be the first, while Azarenka can join the two-timers club.
Djokovic is tied with Roger Federer for the most singles titles at the Indian Wells with four, but the number-one ATP player will have to get past a tough opponent.
"He's a great competitor, a great fighter," Djokovic said of Nadal. "He's been getting himself out of trouble a few times this week and showing why he's one of the best players in the history of the game.
"He never gives up. He always makes you play an extra shot. Always makes you earn the win. I'm going into tomorrow's match knowing what's expected of me and I know how to get ready."
A three-time winner of the Indian Wells, Nadal last won the tournament in 2013, though Djokovic won the last two and three of the last five.
"Let's try my best tomorrow. Let's keep playing with the same energy," Nadal said. "And we'll see what's going on. I know Novak is playing unbelievable, so it's difficult. But I am here to keep enjoying, keep trying my best, and keep playing with the right energy."
Williams is one of eight women to win the Indian Wells twice, though she boycotted the tournament for 14 years following her win in 2001 due to controversy involving her sister Venus' withdrawal. Both Serena and Venus vowed to never play there again, even when the ATP made the Indian Wells mandatory on the WTA Tour. With a win over Azarenka, she can be the first triple winner at the Indian Wells since it opened to women in 1989.
"After the last final I had here, I never pictured myself being back," Williams said, "so it's an interesting feeling."
