After eight consecutive holds to start the match on Thursday night, Djokovic faced double break point serving at 4-all, 15-40 in the opening set—but he won four points in a row to get himself out of trouble, and after the two traded a few more holds, he rolled through the tie-break for a one-set lead.
And when Djokovic wins the first set this year, he doesn't lose—after breaking for a 4-3 lead in the second set, the only break of the match for either player, he eventually closed out a straight set victory, improving to 29-0 in 2025 after winning the first set.
He sealed the victory with a big forehand winner down the line, his 22nd winner of the match (to 20 unforced errors).
"It was a very physical battle," Djokovic said. "I thought that Nuno played on a very high level. I must say, honestly, I was a bit surprised with how good he played. I think we went toe to toe for most of the match, and just a few points determined the winner today. So he deserves a big applause for his performance.
"I just tried to hang in there. Obviously, serving well always helps in the important moments. I think it was 5-all, or 4-all in the first set, I faced two break points and had big serves—sometimes risks pay off in the big moments and you just have to trust your instincts and go for it. Then I played a good tie-break. There weren't many opportunities for both of us to break—I think that game I broke him was the only game I was able to break.
"All in all, very pleased with the performance. I want to thank everybody for showing up and supporting both of us tonight."
Awaiting Djokovic in the semifinals will be either American Macros Giron or German qualifier Yannik Hanfmann.
