LONDON – Novak Djokovic led Rafael Nadal by two sets to one in their Wimbledon semi-final when it was halted for the night on Friday.
Serbian Djokovic, the three-time champion, saved three set points in the third set against the Spaniard Nadal, with play finishing two minutes past the 11pm local time (12.02am SA time) tournament curfew.
The match will resume on Saturday at 1pm UK time (12pm SA time), with the score standing at 6-4 3-6 7-6 (11/9) in favour of Djokovic.
We'll see you tomorrow... @DjokerNole #Wimbledon @RafaelNadal pic.twitter.com/rbJoVBQPfo
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2018
Earlier, Kevin Anderson became the first South African man in 97 years to reach the Wimbledon final after beating John Isner 7-6 (8/6) 6-7 (5/7) 6-7 (9/11) 6-4 26-24 in six hours and 36 minutes.
It was the second longest singles match ever played at a Grand Slam.
Anderson will now attempt to overturn a losing record against his final opponent.
He stands at 0-5 with Nadal and 1-5 against Djokovic.
Nadal and Djokovic were meeting for the 52nd time.
To be continued... #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/bgmIxkKaPB
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2018
Nadal, the 2008 and 2010 champion, trails Djokovic, the 2011, 2014 and 2015 winner, 26-25 in a rivalry which began at Roland Garros 12 years ago.