Defending champion:
Roger Federer (2) who defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas (5) 6-4 6-4
Semi final results
Novak Djokovic (1) v Gaël Monfils (3)
Djokovic had never lost to Monfils in the 16 times that they had met, but set one was possibly the most promising basis yet for thinking this may be finally be the time.
Djokovic began shakily, saving a break point in the opening game before holding for 1-0. Then at 1-1, the #1 seed wasted 5 game points in a game of six deuces, saving another break point. However, he couldn’t save a second break point in the game, as his backhand unusually landed long.
While Monfils was holding serve with relative ease, Djokovic was taken to deuce each time he went to the line.
At 2-4, and 15-40, Djokovic saved both break points, one with a drop shot winner, the next with an off forehand winner. A third break chance came with a Serb backhand error. The double break arrived when a backhand failed to clear the net.
Monfils served out the set competently 6-2.
At 1-1 in set two Djokovic found himself in strife after netting a drop shot attempt, being passed by a Monfils forehand, and hitting a forehand long. The break came with a forehand pulled wide. Monfils led 6-2 2-1 and serve to come.
At 3-2 Monfils, for the first time in the match, faced a break point - three in fact. A double fault, a Djokovic forehand winner at the net, and a Monfils backhand hit long caused the problem. An ace saved one, but a netted forehand gave Djokovic the break back and 3–3.
At 4-5 Monfils saved two set points, and at 5-6 he saved three more, so the pair ended up in a tie break.
Eight of the first nine points in the tie break were won against serve, and Monfils led 6-3 as a consequence. Three match points were his, with two serves to come.
Monfils hit a backhand wide 6-4. A forehand long 6-5.
Djokovic with two serves now. Monfils a forehand wide 6-6. Djokovic a forehand winner 7-6 and set point.
Service winner from Monfils 7-7. Forced backhand error from Monfils 8-7 Djokovic. Forehand wide from Djokovic 8-8. Backhand long from Monfils. 9-8 Djokovic. Double fault and Djokovic won the tie break and the set 7-6(8).
Sadly, Monfils couldn’t maintain the high level of tennis that he’d displayed for most of the match. Djokovic lost just one point on serve in the decider, while Monfils lost three of his four service games.
Novak Djokovic won the semi final 6-1 6-7(8) 6-2.
Stefanos Tsitsipas (2) defeated Daniel Evans 6-2 6-3
and will play Novak Djokovic in the final.
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