Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic cruised through their semi-finals at the Shanghai Masters to set up a repeat of their memorable US Open final last month.
Murray, bidding for a hat-trick of titles in Shanghai, overpowered world number one Roger Federer 6-4, 6-4 after Djokovic dispatched Tomas Berdych for the loss of one less game.
Federer, who conceded a crucial break of serve in the first set after serving three double faults, was given a reprieve by a rain delay when Murray reached 5-4 in the second set but he could not fend off the inevitable on the resumption.
Murray will be looking for a third consecutive victory over Djokovic after beating the Serbian world number two in the Olympic semi-final and then in their Flushing Meadows showdown.
Djokovic was equally impressive against hard-hitting Czech Berdych in winning 6-3, 6-4.
He roared into a 5-1 lead in the first set before Berdych made a match of it.
Djokovic was again dominant in the second set, capitalising on an early break to lead 4-2 before eventually serving out to sail into his first Shanghai final.
"Obviously it's a big challenge when you play a top 10 player," said Djokovic, who lost back-to-back Shanghai semi-finals in 2009 and 2010.
"Tomas is in great form the past couple of months. He's always a difficult player to play against on any surface because he has a very powerful serve and great forehand.
"I played tactically right. I was putting a lot of returns into the court, putting a lot of pressure on his serve.
"On the other hand, I was serving well when I needed to."
Reuters
Tags: tennis, sport, china First posted October 14, 2012 07:01:44
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