Federer into Shanghai Semis

Roger Federer advanced to the semifinals of the Shanghai Rolex Masters on Friday, defeating Croat Marin Cilic 6-3, 6-4 without too much trouble.

The World #1 broke in the first game of the match, but was broken back as the two split the first four games.  It was no worry for Federer, however, as he broke at love at 3-2 and broke again at 5-3 to wrap up the set.  He once again went up an early break in the second set and kept that break until 5-3, when he was broken, but then promptly broke back to take the set and the match.

Federer now faces US Open champion Andy Murray in the semifinals, whom he lost to two years ago in the Shanghai final.  Roger will certainly be looking for revenge as he looks to get to yet another final in what has been an incredible 2012 season for him.

In the bottom half of the draw, Tomas Berdych beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Novak Djokovic took out Tommy Haas, who is back in the top 20 with this result I believe.

Both semis should be highly competitive.  Djokovic obviously has the edge over Berdych, but I think Fed has the advantage over Murray.  He will be hungry and focused and will want to end Murray's undefeated streak in Shanghai, which sits at 13-0.  Plus, winning this match and then the title would set him up to have a better chance at keeping the #1 ranking, if it's even possible at all.

 This will be a defining match for Roger.  If he is able to win this title, especially having beaten Murray and Djokovic back-to-back (even Berdych would be good), then he will have firmly put his foot down in the race for the #1.  Should he win, I can't see him giving it up easily unless it's mathematically impossible to keep it.

Seeing Djokovic vs Federer in the final would be a treat, since they are the #1 and #2.  They also had an amazing two-set match in Shanghai two years ago, and if they could replicate that magic, we would be in for an absolute gem of a match.
 
Have a good match, Roger!