Roger Federer had been guilty of looking a little sluggish in the early rounds of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open but he lifted his level yesterday to see off Viktor Troicki.
The former world number one, seeded number two at this event, looked to be getting back to his old self as he dropped just four games to reach the semi-final.
Federer needed just two breaks in each set to claim a victory but he squandered twelve other chances during the match.
But Troicki never made Federer pay for these missed opportunities and it proved to be a straighforward win for the world number two.
Speaking to the ATP after the match Federer said: "I feel great. I thought it was a great match for me.
"Viktor was obviously coming off a fantastic win with Serbia in the Davis Cup, so I knew it was going to be difficult and that’s why I had that extra focus. I was able to play really well tonight and I’m very happy.
"I thought it was very concentrated performance. I really thought I saw the ball a bit better.
"From my side, I'm really happy the way I was able to keep Troicki on the back foot, make him feel like he didn't know what was coming his way."
Federer will now face Jo-Wilfred Tsonga for a place in the final as the Frenchman saw off Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-6(4), 7-6(9) in a tight two sets.
Tsonga was once again blighted by injury last season, problems with his knee, but he looks to be getting back to full fitness.
Tsonga had the advantage in both sets but was pegged back on each occasion by Garcia as he forced two tie breaks.
But Tsonga was able to hold off the challenge and reach the final four.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw
by Helen Earnshaw
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