Novak Djokovic of Serbia serves to John Isner of the US at the Paris Masters men’s singles at the Palais Omnisports of Bercy in Paris, yesterday. RIGHT: Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts during his match against Philipp Kohlschreiber of Germany
PARIS, France: Novak Djokovic overcame American John Isner while Roger Federer outclassed Philipp Kohlschreiber as they joined Juan Martin Del Potro, Stanislas Wawrinka and defending champ David Ferrer in the Paris Masters quarter-finals yesterday.
In the afternoon session, Federer celebrated his place at the World Tour Finals in London with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Germany’s Phillip Kohlschreiber as the former world number one continues his return to form.
He now meets colossal Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro who defeated rising Bulgarian star Grigor Dimitrov 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a high quality match on court one.
“It was a complicated match because he can hit the ball with lots of lift but also very flat,” explained the Swiss 17-time Grand Slam winner.
“He hit a few double faults at important moments so I was a bit lucky too.”
Turning to his meeting with Del Potro, the 32-year-old added: “It’s an important match for both of us and also looking ahead to London where we could meet there. It could give one of us an advantage for London so it’s a key match.
“I like to play him, he’s one of the best indoor players on the Tour and has been playing really well. I hope he’s maybe a bit tired because I’m tired too,” he joked.
Djokovic, who won in Paris in 2009 and is not only chasing a 40th ATP title but also the world number one spot, dropped the first set before storming back for a 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, 6-2 victory over Isner.
He now meets Wawrinka against whom he has already played some classic matches this season, notably their five-set semi-final at the US Open where the Serb finally prevailed.
“It is a big challenge for me and both Wawrinka, also,” said Djokovic who also has the Davis Cup final to consider on November 15.
“It’s not the first time I’m playing against him at this stage of a tournament. It’s not best of five, so we will not go the fifth set,” he joked in reference to their US Open epic.
Wawrinka took another step towards booking his ticket for London when he comfortably defeated Spaniard Nicolas Almagro 6-3, 6-2.AFP
