Top seed Novak Djokovic had to fight all the way to beat Japan's Kei Nishikori 2-6, 6-4, 7-6, in the semi-final of the Italian Open on Saturday. Djokovic and second seed Andy Murray will meet in a final for the second straight week.

The Serb started slowly after suffering an ankle injury early in the match. Japanese won the point with a  backhand to go 5-2 in the first set,  then taking the opener with 6-2.

On the second, Djokovic really regained his normal flow and went to break point at 2-1 with a powerful backhand down the line, taking the second with 6-4.

Novak Djokovic beats Kei Nishikori 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5) at ATP Italian Open semi-final.

In the third set, Nishikori forced the tie break with a brilliant forehand pass at 5-6.

World number one took the match point with 7-5 on the tiebreak when Nishikori netted a service return. Djokovic is looking for his third Rome title in a row and fifth overall.

Scot will meet Djokovic in the final

In another semi-final match, Andy Murray is taking on Freachman Luca Pouille. Murray reached Pouille dropshot and took the point to 3-1 in the opener.

Murray, who hasn't dropped a set this week, will just return to number two in the rankings,  passing Pouille at net after the two players trade dropshots, making the lead with 30-0, claiming the first set with 6-2.

In the second, Scot gave a forehand win into the corner of the court with the lead of 4-1.

Murray took the match point with a ace, claiming the match with 6-2,6-1.