Federer, Davydenko reach semis
Two of the world’s top four players advanced to the semis at Monte Carlo, and the remaining two will have their chance later today. World #4 Nikolay Davydenko barely got by Russian Igor Andreev 6-3, 4-6, 7-5 and is looking to win his second consecutive Masters Series title. His semifinal opponent will either be #5 David Ferrer or #2 Rafael Nadal.
In the other completed quarter, Roger Federer overcame a tough start to beat David Nalbandian 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. Federer is trying to get back to the finals for the third straight year, and win this for the first time. The last two years he has lost to Nadal. Before he can do that though, he will have to get by either #3 Novak Djokovic or surprise quarterfinalist, American Sam Querrey. The potential Djokovic/Federer match is an intriguing one, as Djokovic has beaten him two out of the last three times they have played. However, back in 2006 Federer beat Djokovic right here in Monte Carlo, which is the only time they have faced on clay.
[...] other semifinal, which I spoke about earlier today, will pit Federer vs. Djokovic. There has been plenty made about Federer’s slump this year, [...]