• Monte Carlo Masters

Djokovic dispatches Haase to reach semi-finals

ESPN staff
April 20, 2012
Novak Djokovic will play Tomas Berdych in the semi-finals © PA Photos
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Novak Djokovic kept his composure to book his place in the semi-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.

The world No. 1 was said to be "exhausted physically, mentally and emotionally" after his third round win over Alexandr Dolgopolov, which came shortly after he learnt of the death of his grandfather.

Djokovic took a while to settle into his stride, dropping his opening service game, but ultimately proved too strong for Robin Haase as he claimed a 6-4 6-2 victory.

After falling behind to an early break, Djokovic recovered with a pair of breaks of his own, only to be clawed back to 4-4. He was forced to save another break point, but held on before grabbing a late break to take the opening set.

With one set already under his belt, Djokovic raced to a 4-0 lead, but his level dropped as he was broken to love on his own serve. Haase failed to hold onto his serve in the second set as Djokovic forged ahead once again, only to be broken as he served for the match.

He did eventually wrap up the victory, however, as he set up a semi-final clash with sixth seed Tomas Berdych, who dumped out third seed Andy Murray earlier on Friday.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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