By Chris Oddo | Friday, October 10, 2014

 

Novak Djokovic stayed red-hot in Shanghai, easing past David Ferrer to set up a semifinal tilt with Roger Federer.

Photo Source: Kevin Lee/ Getty

Novak Djokovic stayed red-hot in Shanghai on Friday, taking down David Ferrer for the seventh consecutive time, 6-4, 6-2, to set up a heavily anticipated final with Roger Federer.

Djokovic, who has not lost in Beijing since 2010, has now won eight consecutive matches since falling in the US Open semifinals to Kei Nishikori.

Djokovic will continue his bid for a 6th title of 2014 and a 20th Masters 1000 title on Saturday when he faces Roger Federer in the semifinals.

Djokovic was out of the gates quickly on Friday, lashing a forehand crosscourt winner to claim a break of serve in the first game of the match. It would be the only break he would need to take the set, but Ferrer, true to form, would make Djokovic work to get it.

The Spaniard earned two break points and saved three set points before Djokovic was finally able to seal the opener with a forehand volley into the open court after a long rally.

After breaking in the opener of the second set, Djokovic took command, breaking again for a 5-2 lead before serving the match out in the next game.

In other Shanghai quarterfinal action, Gilles Simon eased past Tomas Berdych in three sets, 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-0, while Feliciano Lopez reached his third Shanghai semifinal with a 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Mikhail Youzhny.