Djokovic breezes, Serena struggles

Taking two different approaches, top seeds Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams reached the semifinals at the Western & Southern Open on Friday, moving step closer to a title that’s been tough for either of them to win.

Djokovic beat fifth-seeded Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-1, knocking off the player who beat him for the French Open title. Williams followed on center court, struggled with her serve, and had to rally from behind to beat Ana Ivanovic 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Djokovic has never won at Cincinnati, the only one of the nine ATP Masters events that has eluded him. He’s trying to become the first to win them all. Williams won the event for the first time on her sixth try last year.

Third-seeded Andy Murray reached the semifinals by beating Richard Gasquet 4-6, 6-1, 6-4. He’ll face Roger Federer, who eased through a 6-3, 6-4 win over Feliciano Lopez and is trying for his unprecedented seventh Cincinnati title.

ODDS AND ENDS

NHL: Minnesota Wild assistant coach Darryl Sydor was jailed on drunken-driving charges after authorities said he became lost trying to take his 12-year-old son to a hockey tournament. Police pulled Sydor over around 5:15 p.m. Thursday in suburban Fridley after observing him driving erratically and his blood-alcohol level later tested at 0.30 percent, more than four times the legal limit, the complaint said. Sydor, 43, was charged with two counts of second-degree drunken driving.

NBA: The Toronto Raptors announced a four-year contract extension with center Jonas Valanciunas reportedly worth $64 million. ... J.R. Smith has agreed to re-sign with the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to reports. ... Golden State Warriors rookie forward Kevon Looney will miss at least four months after undergoing surgery on his right hip Thursday.

MMA: UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey will take on former boxing champion Holly Holm in her next bout Jan. 2. The unbeaten 135-pound star’s attempt at a seventh title defense will headline UFC 195 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.