DJOKOVIC REACHES CINCINNATI SEMIFINALS
Despite having reached the finals in Cincinnati five times and lost every time, Djokovic is determined to win this time around.
MASON, Ohio — Novak Djokovic destroyed a racket to get on track, and took another step toward the title that has eluded him. Roger Federer stayed on course to add to his record haul in Cincinnati.
Enraged by his poor play at the outset, Djokovic slammed his racket on the court and rallied for a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Milos Raonic on Friday night to reach the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open, the only ATP Masters event he has never won.
Federer has won it seven times, more than anyone else. After missing the tournament the last two years with injuries, he beat countryman Stan Wawrinka 6-7 (2), 7-6 (6), 6-2 to reach the semifinals.
Several days of rain turned the quarterfinals into an endurance test. Six men’s and three women’s singles matches were held over from Thursday because of rain.
Djokovic led the crowd in cheers and pumped his fist after ending his long day. He beat defending champion Grigor Dimitrov at the start, completing a match suspended overnight because of rain and returned a few hours later to play a rested opponent.
“Quite a roller coaster, to be honest,” he said.
Djokovic has reached the finals in Cincinnati five times and lost every time. He’s trying to become the first to win all nine ATP Masters 1000 championships.
“That’s why I’m here,” he said. “I have plenty of motivation. I’ve put myself in a good position in the semifinals.”
His determination showed in the first set. After losing his serve, Djokovic bashed his racket on the court three times, sending pieces of the frame flying. He got a different racket and started playing better.