Key Biscayne, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Kei Nishikori pulled out of his scheduled semifinal match on Friday, thus giving Novak Djokovic a walkover into the final at the lucrative Sony Open.
The 20th-seeded Nishikori cited a left groin injury as the reason for his withdrawal at the Tennis Center at Crandon Park.
A weary Nishikori needed three sets to defeat both world No. 5 Roger Federer and fourth-ranked David Ferrer on back-to-back days to reach the final four here.
"Very sorry to say that I have to pull out today," Nishikori said on Facebook. "Very disappointed and I am obviously very sorry for any fans that wanted to come out for this match. This tournament is very special to me and look forward to coming back in the years to come."
The walkover is Djokovic's second of the tournament after Florian Mayer pulled out in the third round.
The former world No. 1 Serbian star, who won this event in 2007, 2011 and 2012, is fresh off his Masters title at Indian Wells.
The second-seeded Djokovic will face Friday night's Rafael Nadal-Tomas Berdych winner in Sunday's hardcourt final at this ATP Masters 1000 event. Nadal is a three-time Miami runner-up, while Berdych lost in a final here in 2010.
Nadal is 17-3 lifetime against Berdych, including a victory in the 2010 Wimbledon final. The Czech's last win in the series came in 2006.
The 26-year-old Djokovic will appear in his 64th career ATP final, seeking a 43rd title.
He's trying to win his fourth Miami title and complete the Indian Wells-Miami double for the second time in his career, having turned the trick in 2011.
The 2014 Miami champ will earn $787,000.
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