It may not have been the easiest of matches, but Novak Djokovic still found his way into the quarter-final round of the Miami Open. He will now continue his campaign to defend his crown and accomplish another Indian Wells-Miami double. Up next is a match-up against David Ferrer, his 19th overall meeting against the Spaniard. Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 13-5.

The world No. 1 was forced to rally from a set down to earn his spot in the final eight in Miami. After dropping the first set to Alexandr Dolgopolov in a tiebreak, Djokovic fought valiantly from a break down in the second set before he stormed to victory with an emphatic final frame to secure the 6-7(3), 7-5, 6-0 victory.

“I fought my way through,” said Djokovic. “I was frustrated. I was losing my composure in the first set, because I didn’t feel good. So I was just trying to find a way to come back in the match. “I don’t feel that I’m very fresh on the court, even though I’m trying. Again, I’m in the quarter-finals of this tournament. This day off tomorrow will definitely serve me and help me to recover mentally, because physically I’m fine. I feel okay. Hopefully I can perform better in the next one.”

Unlike his upcoming opponent, David Ferrer only needed straight sets to get past Gilles Simon on Tuesday. He defeated the Frenchman 7-6(5), 6-0 to advance in one hour and 35 minutes. He managed to convert six break points, including the three he secured in his bagel second set.

Considering Djokovic leads the head-to-head series 13-5, there should be little doubt that he will control the contest en route to the semi-final round of the tournament. While Ferrer is coming off a strong week, he is unlikely to be able to stop the Serbian star.

Prediction: Novak Djokovic in Three Sets