Djokovic delight at stroll to semi after Nishikori retires

Novak Djokovic was delighted to get back into the semi-finals at the Australian Open after missing out for two years as Kei Nishikori retired injured on Wednesday.

The world number one eased into a showdown with French 28th seed Lucas Pouille as Nishikori retired after just 51 minutes when behind 6-1, 4-1 in the quarter-final.

"Feels great. This has been my most successful Grand Slam throughout my career, the first one that I won back in 2008," said Djokovic, who is chasing a record seventh Melbourne Park title.

"I have a lot of beautiful memories from Rod Laver Arena.

"Yeah, past two years have been a bit tough with the elbow injury and everything. Over the past 10 years, I've had plenty of success here.

"Australia has been really kind to me throughout my career."
"After that I couldn't really bend my knees and couldn't jump up. Yeah, I decided to stop."
"But he's had some marathon matches this tournament that probably have taken the toll on his body."
"I've had plenty of matches so far this year and I am in another semi-final and I will do everything to get ready for that one."