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Djokovic cruises into Beijing semis

Novak Djokovic is the top seed in Beijing © Getty Images

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Novak Djokovic took one step closer to defending his China Open title with a routine win over Gilles Simon.

Playing in his first ATP Tour event since his US Open final defeat to Rafael Nadal in New York, Djokovic was always in control as he sealed his place in the semi-finals with a 6-3 6-2 victory. The top seed, who is yet to drop a set in Beijing, was impressively consistent with his serve, enjoying a 74 per cent success rate.

The world No. 2 showed real grit to save all seven break points Simon created in the opening set, and never gave his opponent a chance in the second - snatching an early break and pulling away to wrap up a comfortable victory.

The Serb is on the brink of securing a place in the year-end ATP Tour finals in London, will now face wildcard John Isner in the semi-finals after the American stunned fourth seed Nikolay Davydenko.

Isner, who has reached four finals this year, fired 18 aces and didn't drop his serve as he earned a 7-6(2) 6-4 win. After a nervous opening set in which neither player was able to make any headway, Isner took the tiebreak, and carried his momentum over into the second set with an early break.

David Ferrer set up a potential semi-final showdown with world No. 4 Andy Murray after upsetting third seed Robin Soderling 6-2 6-4. Ferrer, who has beaten Murray on both previous meeting this year, albeit both encounters coming on the clay, was on supreme form against the Swede.

The world No. 11 stormed out of the blocks, snatching an early break and backing it up with a solid service game. Soderling eventually found his feet, but another slip handed Ferrer the break and the chance to wrap up the opening set.

A high number of unforced errors from the world No. 5 proved costly, and a solid serving performance from the Spaniard sealed his place in the last four.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.