Djokovic sets up semi-final clash with Murray in Dubai

Dubai: Novak Djokovic beat fellow Serb Janko Tipsarevic 6-1, 7-6 (6) on Thursday to set up a Dubai Championships semifinal with Andy Murray, who beat Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5.

The top-ranked Djokovic, gunning for his fourth straight title in Dubai, had beaten Murray in a five-setter en route to defending his Australian Open title. Djokovic broke the ninth-ranked Topsarevic twice and closed out the first set when Tipsarevic returned long. Tipsarevic rallied in the second set, holding his serve throughout and taking a 4-1 lead in the tiebreaker. Djokovic recovered to tie it at 4. Tipsarevic squandered a set-point at 6-5 when he double-faulted, and Djokovic won the next two points. Bureau Report