Djokovic downs Ferrer as Monaco ousts Fish

World number one Novak Djokovic booked a semi-final showdown with Juan Monaco at the Miami Masters on Thursday night, holding off a determined David Ferrer of Spain 6-2, 7-6 (7/1).

“It’s always going to tough against David, he’s one of the greatest competitors on the circuit,” said Serbia’s Djokovic, winner of the last three Grand Slams. “I didn’t want to get to the third set because physically he’s always there.”

Djokovic opened the match playing superb tennis, dictating the rallies and giving fifth-seeded Ferrer little opening and at one point winning 13 straight points.

He pocketed the first set in just 32 minutes and broke Ferrer in the first game of the second before the tenacious Spaniard turned the tables.

Ferrer broke back and was holding his own against the world’s top player until a loose service effort from the Spaniard saw Djokovic break for a 5-4 lead and a chance to serve out the match.

Ferrer denied him as they battled to the tie-breaker, where Djokovic claimed a quick advantage as Ferrer swatted an ill-judged forehand into the net to fall behind on his serve on the first point.

Djokovic was firmly in control from there as he advanced to a meeting with Monaco, who celebrated his 28th birthday by surprising eighth-seeded American Mardy Fish 6-1, 6-3.

“I can’t believe it,” said Monaco. “I have a lot of emotions, it is good to celebrate this way, playing unbelievable tennis on my birthday.”

In the women’s competition, three-time runner-up Maria Sharapova booked her second straight Miami final, rallying to beat Caroline Wozniacki and set up a clash with Agnieszka Radwanska.

Sharapova clinched a 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 semi-final victory over the Dane after two hours, 34 minutes, the match ending in acrimony as Wozniacki objected to the chair umpire’s overrule of a call to Sharapova’s benefit on match point.

World number four Radwanska’s eased through with a 6-4, 6-2 victory over Marion Bartoli.

LATE NEWS

• Rafael Nadal withdrew from the Miami Masters prior to his scheduled semi-final against Andy Murray last night with a knee injury. “Rafael Nadal has been forced to withdraw from today’s match at the SEOpen due to a knee injury,” a posting on the ATP’s Twitter feed said. “Andy Murray advances to the final.”