Tournament organizers must have crossed their fingers for a Djokovic-Nadal final.  When Nadal fell to countryman, FernandoVerdasco, organizers must have hoped that the Federer-Djokovic semi would have to do.  Only Djokovic didn’t accommodate.  Like Nadal, Djokovic had complained about the surface.  And like Nadal, who lost to a countryman, Djokovic also lost to a countryman in Janko Tipsarevic.  Djokovic had a chance to break back as Tipsarevic attempted to serve for the match.  Despite the 15-40 lead and one more break point, Tipsarevic hung tough and won.

Roger Federer has to feel pretty good.  He beat David Ferrer for the 13th time in a row in a 64 64 win.  Should he manage to win the tournament, he may get quite close to overtaking Rafa at number 2 in the world.  Rafa will lose finalist points while Federer stands to gain quite a few points should he win.

Verdasco could not follow up his victory over Nadal with a dent in Berdych’s game.  The rangy Czech steamrolled Verdasco in an easy 61, 62 blowout.  He next faces Juan Martin del Potro who beat Dolgopolov in two close sets.