Wimbledon 2018: Novak Djokovic equals Pete Sampras Wimbledon wins record as he books semi-final spot
Djokovic level with Sampras on 63 victories at the All-England club but only after two violations in niggly triumph over Kei Nishikori
NOVAK DJOKOVIC equalled Pete Sampras' 63 Wimbledon wins to reach the semi-final.
But on his way he found himself in trouble with the umpire twice in a niggly encounter with Kei Nishikori.
Djokovic first got a court violation for smashing his racket into the ground as he let his emotions boil over.
And the Serb followed that up by collecting a time violation for taking too long with his serves.
The grumpy three-times SW19 champ will now face either Rafa Nadal or Milos Raonic for a spot in Sunday's Grand Slam final.
It took the stroppy Serbian two hours and 35 minutes to dump out Japan's Nishikori 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-2 in a Centre Court classic.
Fired-up Djoko said: "It feels great to be in the last four of the Slam. I have been building on a level of tennis I have played in the last few months.
"I felt I was getting better and better and I feel I am peaking at the right moment.
"I have been here before, but I will enjoy this and then think about the next opponent.
"I have worked very hard to get in the best possible shape for the biggest events and it doesn't get any bigger than Wimbledon."
Asked about being warned when he threw his racket into the ground, Djokovic added: "I thought it was unnecessary to get the warning - I didn't harm the grass.
"He threw the racket - I get the warning, he doesn't and it is not fair.
"It was a tough match and it happens."