TORONTO, July 30, 2016

The semi-finals are set at the Rogers Cup in Toronto. Three-time champion Novak Djokovic fought past fifth seed Tomas Berdych 7-6, 6-4.

The world number one saved seven of the eight break points he faced and converted two of his own to advance in exactly two hours of play.

“I was very fortunate to get away with the first set. The second set was slightly better… but I’m moving on and hopefully it’s going to get better,” Djokovic told after his 13th consecutive win over the Czech.

He will next take on Gael Monfils. The 10th seed from France knocked out local favourite Milos Raonic, winning 6-4, 6-4. Monfils sent down seven aces and saved all four break points he faced. He broke the Canadian’s serve two times to prevail in one hour and 12 minutes.

“I had some opportunities, and tonight I just made them,” said Monfils, who advanced to his fourth semi-final of the season.

Raonic had to admit the defeat.“He was doing a lot of good things. He played well. He played smart in the right moments. He was making the shots. I’ll look back at this and give it the right amount of perspective and try to take it to the next process, next step forward, to be better next time,” the Canadian told.

The tournament’s number three Kei Nishikori overcame Grigor Dimitrov, winning 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. The 26-year-old from Japan gained his third victory over the Bulgarian in as many meetings after two hours and nine minutes.

“I took a little bit more risk and tried to be more aggressive and hit and come in sometimes,” Nishikori said. “I knew I was struggling with his slice a little bit, so I tried to move my feet and everything worked well after that game.”

Nishikori will next face Stan Wawrinka. The second seed eased past Kevin Anderson 6-1, 6-3. Wawrinka saved both break points he face, capitalizing on four of his own to finish the encounter after one hour and 13 minutes.

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