Djokovic, Isner reach semifinals

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic moved closer to another championship Thursday by downing Nicolas Almagro in the quarterfinals of the BNP Paribas Open. Djokovic improved his 2012 match record to 14-1 by knocking out Almagro 6-3, 6-4, creating a semifinal matchup with John Isner. Isner outlasted Gilles Simon in an evening quarterfinal 6-3, 1-6, 7-5. Djokovic is 2-0 against Isner, although they have not met since 2010. Djokovic has won 10 consecutive matches at this tournament, which he captured last year and in 2008. He will play in the semifinals for the fourth time. The other quarterfinals, which will be contested Friday, will send Rafael Nadal against David Nalbandian and Roger Federer against Juan Martin del Potro.