Djokovic into semis
09/08/2010 09:42:45 PM
Third seed Novak Djokovic had few troubles disposing of Gael Monfils as he cruised into the US Open semi-finals on Wednesday.
The Serbian won 7-6 (7-2) 6-1 6-2 in blustery conditions on Arthur Ashe Stadium to set up a semi-final showdown with either world No.2 Roger Federer or world No.5 Robin Soderling.
Djokovic qualified for his fourth consecutive US Open semi-final despite going down a break early in the first set as he struggled with the wind.
He made an uncharacteristic 50 unforced errors for the match, considerably more than Monfils' 37, yet still managed to pull off a comfortable win.
"The first set was one of the turning points," Djokovic said. "He had a break advantage and I managed to come back. I was focused when I needed to be. These are the worst conditions so far. I'm fortunate to be in the semi-finals."
"I have two days. I will try to use them the best I can to recover and get ready to play another match."
The Frenchman broke in the third game of the match, but errors in the eighth game allowed the Serbian to break back and force the set into a tie-breaker.
Djokovic cruised through the tie-breaker 7-2 and broke Monfils in the opening game of the second set to take the upper hand.
The world No.19 rarely challenged after that as Djokovic took control of the match and eased to victory.