World number two Novak Djokovic of Serbia will face Tomas Berdych of Czech Republic in the semifinals of the 2012 Shanghai Rolex Masters on Saturday. Djokovic has a 9-1 head-to-head series lead against Berdych and will be a heavy favorite to win this match.
“It’s always a big challenge when you’re playing a top 10 player, especially when somebody who is an established one,” Djokovic said.
“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. 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,” he added.
The Serbian star needed an hour and 22 minutes to overpower Tomas Haas of Germany 6-3, 6-3, denying the latter to secure his 500th career match win. Despite the loss, Haas is guaranteed his return to the world’s top 20 on Monday’s rankings.
Bercyh, on the other hand, beat London contender Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to secure his place in the final four.
“I think it was really solid game and solid performance from beginning until the end,” said Berdych.
“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,” he added.
Watch Shanghai Masters 2012 Semifinals Djokovic vs Berdych Live Online Video Stream
