Djokovic downs Wawrinka to reach Cincinnati semis

Jim Slater 03:11 22/08/2015
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  • Commanding: Djokovic.

    World No 1 Novak Djokovic brushed aside Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to advance to the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters on Friday.

    The top-seeded Serb breezed past Wawrinka with little difficulty in just over an hour, winning 6-4, 6-1 to avenge his defeat to the Swiss in the French Open final.

    Djokovic will face Ukrainian qualifier Alexandr Dolgopolov, who upset Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych 6-4, 6-2.

    Djokovic improved to 18-4 over Wawrinka, hailing what he described as a welcome return to form.

    “It was the best performance I had so far this week. It came at the right time against one of my biggest rivals and the guy I lost to last time we played in the finals of French Open,” said Djokovic.

    Obviously I approached this match very seriously in trying to prepare myself and get myself in a good position to win. That’s what I have done.”

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    Wawrinka said he ran out of puff in the 63-minute loss: “Maybe I’m a little bit empty mentally, but I’m generally happy with my tournament. I know where I am.”

    Women’s holder Serena Williams swept the last six games to overhaul Ana Ivanovic 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a repeat of the 2014 final won by the American.

    Williams said that after playing on the back foot in the first set, she raised her game to score her ninth victory in 10 meetings over the Serb. “I was lethargic in the first set and she played incredibly well. I just had to do better,” Williams said.

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