Cincinnati - World No. 1 Roger Federer moved closer to a fifth ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters crown on Friday as the Swiss star crushed American Mardy Fish 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to reach the semi-finals.
Federer, seeking his sixth title of the year, was in regal form as he beat Fish for the eighth time in nine meetings. The American has lost 17 of 20 sets in the one-sided rivalry.
Federer will line up on Saturday against compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka after the Swiss stormed back to beat Canadian Milos Raonic 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, in another quarter-final.
Federer was playing a Cincinnati quarter-final for the sixth time in seven years as he aims for a 76th career trophy. He owns Wawrinka 11-1 overall in their personal rivalry.
"I played realy well," Federer said. "The second set was very competitive, but I was able to maintain a high level for a long time. I'm very pleased with the form and glad to reach the semis."