Roger Federer of Switzerland returns a shot to Feliciano Lopez of Spain during their match on Day 7 of the Western & Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. (AFP)

DPA/Cincinnati, Ohio


Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Andy Murray motored into the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters on Friday, with Federer producing a command performance as he aims for a seventh trophy at the event.
The Swiss second seed rolled over Feliciano Lopez 6-3, 6-4, taking slightly more than an hour to advances into a semi-final with Murray.
Top seed Djokovic had it all his own way against French Open holder Stan Wawrinka, taking out the Swiss 6-4, 6-1 for some revenge after losing to the world number five in the Paris final two months ago.
It was “the best performance I had so far this week. It came at the right time against one of my biggest rivals and the guy I lost to last time we played in the finals of French Open,” said Djokovic.
“Obviously I approached this match very seriously in trying to prepare myself and get myself in a good position to win. That’s what I have done.”
Murray rallied past Richard Gasquet 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, taking more than two hours to reach the final four after winning the Montreal title at the weekend.
The 34-year-old Federer could not have been more satisfied after finishing with a stab volley winner on match point against long-time opponent Lopez.
The second seed now stands 12-0 over the Spaniard as he plays his only event prior to the start of the US Open in 10 days.
“I’m very happy how I got out of the blocks again,” said Federer. “I wasn’t sure how I’d come back from vacation and training. I’m pleased with how I’m playing.
“I’m playing great tennis and I’m feeling good, feeling healthy and enjoying myself. That’s important at this point of my career.
“I want to win the US Open again but I still have work to get done here.”
Djokovic will play for the final against Ukrainian qualifier Alexandr Dolgopolov, who upset Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-2.
The 28-year-old Murray said that two weeks of intense tennis are taking their toll with the US Open approaching.
“I’m just happy I managed to fight through a lot of tough matches, difficult situations, and hopefully that will stand me in good stead for the US Open.
“I’m obviously tired because it’s been tough. I’ve played a lot of matches, a lot of late nights. My recovery hasn’t been perfect either.”