PARIS – Novak Djokovic saved set points in both sets to remain on course for his third straight Paris Masters title after beating fifth-seeded Czech Tomas Berdych 7-6 (3), 7-6 (8) in a hard-fought quarterfinal on Friday.
Chasing his 10th title of a brilliant season, the top-ranked Serb clinched his 20th consecutive win and next plays fourth-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland – who beat him in the French Open final to deprive him of all Grand Slam titles this year.
Wawrinka overcame an early break of serve and saved two set points in each tiebreaker to beat seventh-seeded Rafael Nadal of Spain 7-6 (8), 7-6 (7) for only the third time in their 16 career meetings – although all of those wins have come in the past four matches.
“It was a very intense game, he had set points and I held on,” Wawrinka said. “I played the match of my life against Novak (in the French Open final), but this match will be completely different.”