• ATP Tour

Djokovic cruises into Beijing semi-finals

ESPN staff
October 5, 2012
Novak Djokovic sends down a serve © PA Photos
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Novak Djokovic boosted his hopes of deposing Roger Federer as world No. 1 as he breezed into the semi-finals of the China Open with victory over Jurgen Melzer.

The world No. 2 was unconvincing in his opening win in Beijing before suffering a late wobble in his second round clash, but there was no doubting his performance on Friday as he cruised to a 6-1 6-2 victory in 53 minutes.

Djokovic, who missed the Asian swing last season, broke for a 2-1 lead and never looked back as he raced through the opening set.

It was a similar story in the second as Djokovic took an early lead as he tightened his grip on the match and never gave his opponent a sniff of a comeback as he proved more than a match for the Austrian.

Djokovic will meet Florian Mayer in the last four after the German defeated Chinese wildcard Zhang Ze 6-3 6-4.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga boosted his hopes of qualifying for the ATP World Tour Finals as he booked his place in the semi-finals with a straight sets victory over Mikhail Youzhny. Tsonga broke his opponent on three occasions to secure a 6-3 6-2 victory in 69 minutes.

Feliciano Lopez will be Tsonga's semi-final opponent after the Spaniard came from behind to beat Sam Querrey. In a largely even contest, Lopez hit back to level after Querrey had won the opening set, before saving eight break points in the decider to clinch a 4-6 6-4 6-4 win.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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