Djokovic, Nadal into Miami final as opponents withdraw

MIAMI, March – Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and world No. 1 Rafael Nadal advanced to the men's singles final at the Miami Masters tournament after their oponents pulled out of their matches on Friday.

Kei Nishikori of Japan, who was to play Djokovic, cited a groin injury, and Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic withdrew from his duel with Nadal suffering from gastroenteritis.

World No. 2 Djokovic and Nadal apologized to their supporters in Florida for the way in which they reached the final. This will be the 40th ATP match between Djokovic and Nadal, with the Spaniard leading the rivalry 22-17.

The total prize money for Sony Open, where Djokovic won in 2007, 2011 and 2012, is USD 5.64 million.

AP Photo/Alan Diaz, J Pat Carter