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Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer met for the 17th time in the 2010 Shanghai semi-finals. This came a month after their thrilling US Open encounter, and Federer won 7–5, 6–4 in one hour and 42 minutes to reach his 29th Masters 1000 final.
Roger defeated Novak for the 11th time, winning ten points more and winning in the decisive moments. The Swiss shared four out of five break points and emerged on top with three breaks in his tally. They had the same number of winners and forced errors.
Novak made more unforced errors to ruin his chances despite a solid effort, ending his Shanghai campaign in the final four for the second consecutive year. The Serbs had a slight advantage in the shortest ranges, up to four strokes.
However, he was completely defeated in the more advanced exchanges, sending the Swiss over the finish line in straight sets. Djokovic maintained the lead after a deuce in the first game of the match and in the second game Federer added his name to the scoreboard with a forehand winner.
The Serbs had to work hard in the 1-1 draw, avoiding three deuces to stay on the positive side before pushing the Swiss to the limit in the next one.
Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets at Shanghai 2010.
Roger split four break chances (two with winners and two after Novak’s mistakes), avoiding an early blow and leveling the score at 2–2.,
Both players held comfortable positions over the next five games, with Federer leading the set at 4–5. Roger fought back after deuce before earning his first break chance in game 11. Federer converted the second when Djokovic broke for 6-5 with a backhand and served for the set.
Roger hit three winners in the 12th game and ended the first half with an ace after 63 minutes. With momentum on his side, Federer broke early in the second set thanks to a loose forehand from Djokovic.
The Serb had to overcome a set and a break deficit to chase the win, putting himself in a challenging position. A service winner put Federer ahead 2–0, and he served another quick hold to open the lead to 3–1. The Swiss player grabbed another break with a smash winner in the fifth game, controlling the pace and moving closer to the finish line.
Novak won his first return game at 1–4, reducing the deficit and falling to a break behind. Federer served to book a place in the title match in game ten, hitting three winners to seal the deal and advance to the final on his Shanghai debut.,