Novak Djokovic will take on Tomas Berdych in the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters after both players got past their respective quarterfinal opponents.
Djokovic saw off the challenge of Tommy Haas 6-3, 6-3, while Berdych defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 7-6 (4).
"I think it was really solid game and solid performance from beginning until the end," Berdych said. "I think the biggest difference between me and Jo was I was able to take the small chances during the first and especially the second set.
"It was not many of them, but I was able to keep it and convert it on my side."
Berdych admitted Djokovic would be a tough nut to crack. "He's really hungry to keep winning and chasing Roger to become No. 1 again," he said. "So, you know, he has a lot of things to play with.
"But me, too. I'm playing really well so far this week. I try to bring it for my semi-final again. Let's see what's going to happen.
"He's a great player to play. Yeah, we are in the semi-final, so just only tough opponents."
Djokovic has been extremely good with his serves in the tournament so far, but against Haas the serving was not quite up to scratch. "(I was) a little bit more up and down with the service games," he admitted. "But generally when I needed to, I played well. Played very solid from the baseline.
"My return games were exceptional. So it's something that gave me a lot of confidence today."
On facing Berdych, Djokovic said: "It's always a big challenge when you're playing a top 10 player, especially when somebody who is an established one. Tomas has been winning against top players on different surfaces in the last couple of years, so he knows how to play on a big stage and he knows how to play in big moments.
"He played an upset in the U.S. Open, played a tough one against Roger, and Andy in semis. Big game, big serve, big forehand.
"As I said, it's going to be difficult. It's going to be tough. But I've been playing well, too. So I'll try to look for my chances tomorrow from the baseline and see how it goes."
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