Federer, Djokovic will meet in Paris semi

The last two quarter finals in the Rolex Paris Masters were the most keenly awaited.

• Novak Djokovic (2) defeated Marin Cilic (5)

Cilic opened well, matching Djokovic game for game, returning well, and winning 86% of points on his first serve, this negating somewhat the returning prowess of the second seed.

Each player achieved an early service break, but Cilic did the double, shocking Djokovic in the ninth game and serving out the set 6-4.

This stopped a personal record consecutive winning streak of 30 sets Djokovic had concocted in his recent run of form.

In an uplift in his game, Djokovic broke Cilic twice to lead 4-1 in set two.  Cilic won the next game, and had a chance to retrieve one of the breaks in the seventh game.  However, Djokovic saved the day, and progressed further to claim the set 6-2.

Cilic added another twist to the plot by cracking the Serb serve in game three of the decider.  When Djokovic broke back immediately,  it was even money until the eighth game, where Djokovic gathered his third break opportunity for the set.  He converted with a delightful cross court forehand passing shot.

The love game on serve to follow clinched match win number 21 on the trot for Djokovic 4-6 6-2 6-3, and his ninth in a row against top ten opponents.

• Roger Federer (3) broke the serve of Kei Nishikori (10) twice in their quarter final - once in each of the two sets required, and it was enough for a straight forward win - the Swiss player continues in the tournament.

Federer won 28 of 29 points on his first serve for the match, making it extremely difficult for Nishikori to launch any offensive when returning.  Then, having to absorb virtually all the pressure when come the time to deliver, it seemed only a matter of time for Nishikori to drop serve.

Admittedly, there were only four break points in the match, three collected by Federer.  Just that he converted two of three, and Nishikori none of one.  Federer was clinical in winning 6-4 6-4, but Nishikori was by no means disgraced.

Roger Federer will meet Novak Djokovic in the semis and this will be their 47th battle.