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By Chris Oddo | Friday, October 10, 2014

 
Roger Federer, Shanghai 2014

Roger Federer took down Julien Benneteau in straight sets to set up a blockbuster semifinal with Novak Djokovic in Shanghai.

Photo Source: Kevin Lee/ Getty

Roger Federer turned a nail biter into a rout on Friday in Shanghai, busting open what was a very tight match to race to a 7-6(4), 6-0 victory over Julien Benneteau.

More Shanghai: Djokovic Downs Ferrer in Straights

Federer had to stick with Benneteau in the early going as the Frenchman matched the Swiss lick for lick in what became a very spirited opening set.

But after yielding the first mini-break in the first-set tiebreaker, Federer reeled off four straight points to find himself in possession of three set points. Benneteau would save the first, but Federer would rifle a crosscourt backhand winner to seize the set on the next point.




Federer would not look back.

He would race through the second set, dropping only seven points to continue his bid for a first Shanghai title.

"I thought I played very well against Bautista Agut, but maybe tonight was a bit better,” said Federer, according to ATPworldtour.com. "Especially once I got in the lead, it's nice to have those great 10, 15 minutes where you can stretch it. That's what I was able to do. So this probably was my best match so far."

Federer’s victory sets up a rematch of this year’s Wimbledon final with Novak Djokovic. The two will meet for the 36th time, with Federer currently holding a slim 18-17 edge over the Serb.

Notes, Numbers

Federer is currently without three Masters 1000 titles. He has yet to win Monte-Carlo, Shanghai and Rome.

Federer reached his 52nd Masters 1000 semifinal with his victory today.

Federer’s 307 Masters 1000 wins tops the all-time list with Nadal (281) and Djokovic (223) next in line.

 

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