Djokovic, Federer reach Dubai semifinals

Defending champion Roger Federer defeated Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 6-2.

Djokovic will play fourth-seeded Juan Martin del Potro, who returned to the semifinals by beating German qualifier Daniel Brands 6-4, 6-2. Federer will face third-seeded Tomas Berdych, who defeated Russian wild card Dmitry Tursunov for the second time in five days, 6-3, 6-2.

The top-ranked Djokovic won his 11th straight match to start the year. He broke three times in the first set and once in the second, which was a little more competitive. But a strong first serve — he won 89 percent of points on it — and a powerful forehand helped him improve to 10-0 against Seppi.

"It was an even better performance than first two matches, so match after match I'm elevating the level, which is good," Djokovic said. "I'm trying to do my best on the court. Tomorrow I have a big challenge, the biggest so far. Hopefully I can sustain the level from today."

Federer also had little problem with Davydenko, breaking him twice in the first set. The second set was much the same, as Federer jumped out to a 4-1 lead. Federer had two aces and an overhead smash to make it 5-1 and served it out at love.