07-13-2019, 12:32 AM
SHANGHAI - Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer set up a rematch of their Wimbledon final with convincing straight-set wins to reach the semifinals of the Shanghai Masters on Friday.The top-ranked Djokovic defeated David Ferrer 6-4, 6-2 to extend his winning streak in China to 28 matches, while Federer played a nearly flawless second set to beat Julien Benneteau of France 7-6 (4), 6-0.It will be the 36th meeting in their rivalry, which has been remarkably close, with Federer taking 18 of their matches and Djokovic 17. The players have split their four matches this year, though Djokovic earned the far biggesr prize with his second Wimbledon trophy in July.There is no clear favourite, Djokovic said. Every time we play against each other, its a thriller.The Serb would seem to have a slight advantage given his recent dominance in China, where he hasnt lost since a semifinal defeat to Federer in Shanghai in 2010. Since then, hes captured the China Open three times, and the Shanghai Masters twice.But Djokovic doesnt believe the court — or his sizeable contingent of Serbian-flag-waving Chinese fans — will give him an edge.Well, its not like he didnt have a lot of success anywhere he went, including China, he said. He knows how to play here. He has also big support.Djokovic played much better on Friday than he did in the previous round, when he struggled to put away big-hitting Mikhail Kukushkin.He was tested just once against the fifth-seeded Ferrer, while serving for the first set at 5-4. The Spaniard played remarkable defence to fight off three set points, then held two break points for 5-all. He failed to convert either, though, and Djokovic finally ended the tiring, 13-minute game with a drop shot followed by a volley into the open court.Federer, too, played his most solid match of the week against Benneteau. He had 34 winners to only 13 unforced errors, and won nearly all of the points on his first serve (34 of 37).The Swiss star, who will overtake Rafael Nadal to return to No. 2 in the rankings next week, said he has faced Djokovic so many times now, there were no secrets to each others games.Well see how much he can actually do, how much he can neutralize me, and how much I can do with him, he said. But hes playing a great season again. Ill give it the best shot I have. I have a good game at the moment.The other semifinal will feature two veterans playing some of their best tennis — Gilles Simon and Feliciano Lopez.Lopez, who knocked out an ailing Rafael Nadal in the second round, defeated Mikhail Youzhny 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals.At 33, the Spaniard is having a resurgent year, winning his fourth career title at Eastbourne and rising to No. 16 in the rankings, one off his career high. Hes also a three-time semifinalist in Shanghai, though hes never advanced to the final.Simon upset sixth-seeded Tomas Berdych 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-0. It was his second top-10 win of the week after beating fourth-seeded Stan Wawrinka in the second round.Asked the last time he managed to do that, he said, I dont know. You tell me. Maybe never.Lopez has won two of their three previous meetings, though both matches were on grass. Josh Donaldson Jersey .com) - Virginia is for loving Latrell Scott. Dale Murphy Braves Jersey . Parmelee hit a game-ending shot in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins overcame David Ortizs big night to beat the Boston Red Sox 8-6 on Tuesday. http://www.baseballbravesproshop.com/jos...es-jersey/. - Anthony Beauvillier had the winning goal in the third period as the Shawinigan Cataractes edged the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies 2-1 on Wednesday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League play. Chipper Jones Jersey . PETERSBURG, Fla. Hank Aaron Braves Jersey . -- D.A. Points was disqualified Friday from the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am for using a training device while waiting to play the 18th hole at Pebble Beach. Building on the momentum his team built after coming within one made basket of a second round playoff berth, Masai Ujiri appeared on TSN 1050 to discuss the teams press conference to announce the re-signing of their starting point guard and how the Raptors expect their all but finalized roster to compete next season. “For him to commit to us says a lot about him, it says a lot about our fans, it says a lot about the organization and where were trying to go,” Ujiri said of Lowrys new four-year, $48 million contract. Besides Lowry, the GM was also able to re-sign key reserves Greivis Vasquez and Patrick Patterson, and were reportedly in agreement to bring back former Raptor James Johnson.dddddddddddd Asked about how the team will be able to build off their success last season, Ujiri said the focus is giving the roster time to fulfill its potential. “I think its patience and growth and you keep building slowly – were not going to make any crazy moves,” Ujiri said. “Were going to give these guys the opportunity to keep growing. “Well keep trying to grow as a team, thats where we are. Its not a time to make any crazy decisions. Our goal was to bring everybody back to build continuity and thats what were doing.” Ujiri: Lowry signing, building a contender Cheap Jerseys China NFL Jerseys Cheap NBA Jerseys Wholesale NHL Jerseys Wholesale MLB Jerseys Cheap Soccer Jerseys China Wholesale NCAA Jerseys Wholesale Football Jerseys Wholesale Basketball Jerseys Wholesale Baseball Jerseys ' ' '