Djokovic eases through, Federer out

Novak Djokovic survived a scare before easing through to the semis, but Roger Federer’s US Open preparations hit a snag at the ATP Cincinnati Masters on Friday.

World No. 1 Djokovic outlasted Frenchman Gael Monfils to win 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a two and a half hour evening match.

“It was a very physical match, but I hung in there and it was a good win,” Djokovic said.

But Swiss maestro Federer suffered a surprising exit on the Cincinnati hardcourts in the final event before the start of the US Open. Federer crashed out to eighth-seeded Tomas Berdych 6-2, 7-6 (7/3).

Djokovic improved his season record to a superb 56-1, clinching the match after Monfils hammered a forehand into the net.

He was made to work for the win as the Frenchman started quickly, hitting four aces to take the first set.

Monfils continued his stellar play in the second set, breaking Djokovic’s serve in the sixth game.

But Djokovic eventually came through, advancing to the semis where he will face Berdych.

The Czech claimed the third victory over Federer in a row as he took full advantage of Federer’s struggles with his groundstrokes.

Yesterday’s semi-final: Murray bt Fish 6-3, 7-6.