Djokovic and Federer to meet in Paris semi

Novak Djokovic recovered from a set down to beat Croatia’s Marin Cilic yesterday and set up a mouth-watering semi-final against Roger Federer at the Paris Masters.

Djokovic, who will take the world No 1 ranking from Rafael Nadal on Monday, won 4-6 6-2 6-3 to extend his winning run to 21 matches, before Federer then saw off Japan’s Kei Nishikori in straight sets.

It will be the 47th meeting between the pair with Djokovic, who has won their last three meetings, leading their head-tohead record 24-22.

Djokovic, winner of the Wimbledon and US Open championships this year, lost his cool in the second set of his last-eight tie after an outburst at his own box, before breaking his racket in the third.

But the No 2 seed remains on course to win a fifth Paris Masters title after sealing the win against Cilic in two hours and 12 minutes.

“It was a big challenge,” the Serb said as he reflected on his victory.

“I was a break down in the third set, and this match could have gone either way. I won the match, but if he had won it, it would have been absolutely deserved.

“I’m just pleased to be in the semis, and I know I can play better.”

Federer has not won the tournament in Paris since 2011, but sealed his progression to today’s semi-final with a relatively routine 6-4 6-4 win over Nishikori.

“I think I’m ready to do something tomorrow, but clearly I have to play a lot of good tennis tomorrow because those are the questions Novak asks of you,” said the Swiss legend.

“It’s not just maybe a serve here or there or a return here or there, he’s going to ask the question time and time again because he defends very well.

“He’s also serving consistently well at the moment so I think it’s going to be tough.”

Elsewhere, Russian Karen Khachanovranoutacomfortable 6-1 6-2 winner against fourth seed Alexander Zverev in their last-eight encounter.

The world No 18, who needed just over an hour to beat Zverev, will face Dominic Thiem in the semi-finals.

Thiem, the French Open finalist, came from behind to win 4-6 6-4 6-4 against Jack Sock, who won the title in Paris last year.