Wawrinka, Nishikori set up semi as Djokovic wins
Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori set up a blockbuster Rogers Cup semi-final as Novak Djokovic also advanced.
Wawrinka and Nishikori claimed wins over Kevin Anderson and Grigor Dimitrov respectively at the ATP 1000 event in Toronto.
Djokovic beat Tomas Berdych once more, while the red-hot Gael Monfils upset local Milos Raonic.
BIG GUNS WIN
Wawrinka, the Swiss second seed, had few problems, easing past Anderson 6-1 6-3 in just one hour, 13 minutes.
Smooth sailing for @stanwawrinka, who’s in the SF after a straight sets win over Anderson, 6-1, 6-3.#GetCloser pic.twitter.com/jxcZyeft7C
— Rogers Cup Toronto (@rogerscup) July 29, 2016
He will take on Japanese third seed Nishikori, who was tested before overcoming Dimitrov 6-3 3-6 6-2.
Dimitrov fought hard but @keinishikori pulls out the win and books a spot in the semis, 6-3, 3-6, 6-2.#GetCloserpic.twitter.com/Ply6EaP1Nc
— Rogers Cup Toronto (@rogerscup) July 29, 2016
As for world number one and three-time champion Djokovic, he made it 25 wins in 27 matches against Berdych with an unconvincing 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 win.
RAONIC BEATEN BY MONFILS
The fourth-seeded Raonic made a last-eight exit, going down to the in-form Monfils 6-4 6-4.
Monfils won far fewer return points (21-12) than Raonic, but he managed to break once in each set.
MONFILS STRETCHES STREAK
For the Frenchman, who won the Citi Open on Sunday, it extended his winning run to nine matches.
With his win, Djokovic improved his head-to-head record against Berdych to 25-2. Meanwhile, his win-loss record in ATP 1000 events this year is 24-2.
In 11 previous matches against Monfils, Djokovic is unbeaten.
Djokovic on his next opponent: “Gael is playing great tennis at the moment. He’s feeling confident.”pic.twitter.com/9C8961nvzs
— Rogers Cup Toronto (@rogerscup) July 30, 2016
FINAL SPOTS ON THE LINE
Nishikori and Wawrinka are first on Centre Court for their semi-final before Djokovic and Monfils do battle during the night session.