Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori set up a blockbuster Rogers Cup semi-final as Novak Djokovic also advanced.
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The Frenchman with his new found attitude would have taken advantage of those set points opportunities that Berdych squandered and Monfils saved all four break points that Raonic created.
Fifth seed Halep came from behind to overcome Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova 3-6, 6-1, 6-1, while second seed Kerber cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 win over another Russian, Daria Kasatkina.
“It’s just great to be into another Masters final, I’m looking forward to my opportunity”, the victor said.
Novak Djokovic eased into the final of the Rogers Cup with a straight sets victory over Gael Monfils on Saturday night.
“I feel exhausted because we played more than two hours”, said the 29-year-old French victor.
“I didn’t do it in the second set, and beginning of the third set I didn’t do it. So I took a little bit more risk and tried to be more aggressive and hit and come in sometimes”, he told atpworldtour.com.
Djokovic struggled with his serve, as he does early on in matches, only to change gear and dominate the game as it progressed.
Canadian Tennis Player Eugenie Bouchard advances to the second round of the Women’s Tournament of Rogers Cup on Tuesday.Bouchard defeated Lucie… If Monfils can remain in this form consistently, he’s capable of beating anybody in the world and can start pushing for possible grand slam titles.
Despite the lopsided support, it was Monfils who actually struck first in the match.
“It was a really good match, I started really well the first game”, Wawrinka said. Mental errors dogged Berdych throughout the match, however, giving up several points on forehands into the net.
“When Novak is playing like that, it’s very tough to beat him”.
Second seed Stan Wawrinka matched his best career result at the event with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 defeat of American Jack Sock.
Monfils won two of his first three games Saturday night before Djokovic seized the momentum in a match characterized by long baseline rallies and unforced errors.
While the two Canadians were not pleased with how they played in their semi-final loss, they leave Toronto with a positive outlook on the next few weeks.
Wawrinka had numerous chances to win the opening set.
“Gael has been in terrific touch, winning Washington last week”.
Meanwhile, in Montreal, Angelique Kerber put any concerns about her left elbow to rest Friday in the women’s Rogers Cup.
Djokovic has won 10 of the last 14 Masters 1000 titles and has been to the finals of 14 of the last 15.
The odds are not in Nishikori’s favor though, as he holds a 2-9 record all-time against the Serbian, including an eight-game winless streak dating back to 2014.
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In the second set, Djokovic seemed to be favouring his right shoulder and his serve lost some of its speed and accuracy. “And then suddenly, I think, he didn’t miss…. So, I hope I can get revenge this time”.
