Sony Open: Rafael Nadal & Novak Djokovic into final after walkovers

Djokovic, the second seed, progressed when Japan’s Kei Nishikori withdrew from their match with a groin injury.

And Nadal also went through without hitting a ball after Tomas Berdych was laid low by gastroenteritis.

“I woke up at 7.30am with pain in my stomach,” said the Czech seventh seed.
“I am disappointed about not getting a chance to play.”

Nishikori, who beat Roger Federer in the quarter-finals, felt a problem when he went for his morning warm-up on Friday.

“I couldn’t move from side to side,” said the 20th seed.

“I really felt it in the last match against Roger, the quarter-final. I had it before Indian Wells, and I hurt it in Delray. It wasn’t 100% yet.”

Djokovic, who is trying to win the Miami title for the fourth time, also had a walkover in the third round when Florian Mayer pulled out with a groin injury.

“It’s not the first time it has happened to me,” said the Serb. “Maybe it is the first time twice in the same tournament but it is the way it is and you have to deal with that mentally.

“I practised today, 30-40 minutes on centre court, got good rhythm and trying to keep up with what I have been doing.