Federer, Berdych reach Paris Masters semifinals

Dunya News

Roger Federer and Tomas Berdych advanced to the semifinals of the Paris Masters.

Roger Federer earned his 800th victory by beating Juan Monaco of Argentina 6-3, 7-5 Friday to reach the semifinals of the Paris Masters.Federer will next play Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, who edged Andy Murray of Britain 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4.Jo-Wilfried Tsonga of France also advanced after his opponent, top-ranked Novak Djokovic, pulled out because of a shoulder injury.Federer slammed seven aces and hit 25 winners compared to only eight for Monaco.The 16-time Grand Slam champion won five straight games to rally from a 3-1 deficit and took the first set when Monaco netted a backhand.Federer broke for a 6-5 lead in the final set when Monaco made a forehand error, winning the match with an ace.Earlier, Murray broke Berdych in the seventh game and took the first set with a crosscourt forehand winner.The Briton rallied from a 5-2 deficit in the second to force a tie-breaker but Berdych hit a forehand winner to level at one set apiece.Berdych broke serve at 4-4 in the final set and held on to clinch victory.