Novak Djokovic reaches semifinals at China Open; Cilic, Soderling also advance

Djokovic reaches semifinals at China Open

BEIJING — Novak Djokovic moved into the semifinals of the China Open with a 6-3, 1-6, 6-1 win over Fernando Verdasco on Friday.

Djokovic was broken three times in the second set, but the fourth-ranked Serb regained his form in the third set and took advantage of Verdasco’s 19 unforced errors in the match.

“I had ups and downs,” Djokovic said. “Verdasco used his chances in the second set when he broke. I saved energy at the end of the second set for the refreshing start of the third and I was fortunate to do so.”

Djokovic will face Robin Soderling of Sweden, who defeated Ivan Ljubicic of Croatia 7-6 (3), 6-4. Also advancing was Marin Cilic of Croatia, who defeated Nikolay Davydenko of Russia 6-4, 6-4. Cilic will play either Rafael Nadal of Marat Safin in the next round.

Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia became the first woman to qualify for the semifinals, defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia 6-3, 6-3.

Kuznetsova faced little challenge against Pavlyuchenkova, who eliminated Venus Williams from the tournament this week.

Kuznetsova will face Nadia Petrova of Russia, who defeated Peng Shuai of China 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2. Peng defeated Maria Sharapova in straight sets on Wednesday.

“I’m very happy to get through even though I didn’t really start out playing well, but I really picked it up by the second and third sets,” said Petrova, who topped Serena Williams in three sets on Thursday. “It’s always difficult to come out the following day and put on the same performance.”

Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland advanced by beating fourth-seeded Elena Dementieva of Russia 7-5, 6-3. She will meet either Marion Bartoli of France or Vera Zvonareva of Russia in the semifinals.