Djokovic, Davydenko reach Masters Cup semis

Nov 13, 2008 - 4:13 PM By Andrew Mullen PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

SHANGHAI, China (Ticker) -- Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko have emerged from the Gold Group at the Tennis Masters Cup.

While Djokovic entered his final round robin match Thursday already assured a spot in the semifinals, Davydenko needed a 6-3, 6-2 win over Juan Martin del Potro to book his place in the final four.

"I feel great after reaching the semifinals," said Davydenko, who went 2-1 in round robin play. "I had a chance in my last match against Djokovic, but I didn't take it and today was my last chance to reach the semifinals."

Both players must wait to find out who their next opponent is as Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Gilles Simon are battling for the two remaining semifinal spots in Red Group play.

Several scenarios remain, but should Murray defeat Federer on Friday - a result which would eliminate the Swiss defending champion - Davydenko would face the British No. 1 for a place in the final, while Djokovic would meet Frenchman Gilles Simon.

"Murray is playing very good tennis at the moment," said Davydenko, when asked about his prospects for the next round. "I have a good record against Murray (3-3), but it's a different situation with Federer as I have an 0-12 record against him, I have never won.

"Against Murray I have more chance, it doesn't matter how Murray plays, I think I have more of a chance."

Del Potro (1-2) had beaten Davydenko on clay in September's Davis Cup semifinal, but the 20-year-old had no answer on the indoor hardcourt in Shanghai as he was broken twice in each set.

"We had a lot of long rallies," said Davydenko, who it bidding to reach his first final in four appearances at this event. "Del Potro was nervous which contributed to him losing the first set.

"In the second he lost his concentration and made more mistakes and that's why I had more chances. In the second set I kept my concentration and played better and better."

Del Potro, who has enjoyed a breakout year with his first four titles, now turns his attention to representing Argentina in next week's Davis Cup final against Spain in Mar de la Plata.

"I am playing against (No. 12 David Ferrer) so the match was always going to be tough," del Potro said. "But I am happy because I now go to Argentina and I have another great opportunity next week.

"I'm arriving in Argentina on Saturday night and I have four days to recover and to prepare for the Davis Cup. They will be my last two matches of the year, maybe the most important, so I want to be in good shape to beat Spain."

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga defeated Djokovic, 1-6, 7-5, 6-1, in the first Gold Group match of the day.

Tsonga (1-2), who has beaten the Serb three straight times since their maiden meeting in the Australian Open final, knew coming in he had no shot at advancing to the next stage.

Djokovic (2-1) on the other hand, was assured his first semifinal appearance regardless of the outcome.