Intro:

Roger Federer beat Novak Djokovic 6-4, 6-4 in the Shanghai Masters semi-final on Saturday (11 October) to avenge his defeat in July's Wimbledon final.

Script:

Roger Federer beat reigning champion Novak Djokovic to reach the final of the 2014 Shanghai Rolex Masters on Saturday. Federer won in straight sets of 6-4, 6-4 to end Djokovic's two year domination over the men's singles tournament.

The first set was a close call between the two and played dangerously near the net. Djokovic showed extreme persistence, but it was five minutes in that Djokovic just couldn't land his backhand shot properly. Federer broke and his first set point was secured.

The Swiss kept his ground and broke in the first game of the second set as well, where he fired an immensely powerful shot leaving Djokovic stranded in the opposite corner.

Despite Djokovic's comeback in the eight game which narrowed the gap to 5-4, Federer managed to hold and seal his final serve to progress to the final.

SOUNDBITE: (English) Roger Federer, third seed:

"Yeah I'm very pleased the way I played out here tonight. I really tried to move to the net, to cut the points down short, chipping short, some serve and volley and when it works, you know, aggressive tennis is the best. I love it, I've always enjoyed it. Today was a great performance I thought, everything was working, from serve to volley, to return and movement as well and mental toughness. I'm unbelievably pleased."

SOUNDBITE: (English) Novak Djokovic, top seed:
(Q: Your thoughts on the match?)

"Just outplayed me, played an incredible match, tactically, hitting the ball so well. He didn't give me enough opportunities for me to come back and he used his. That's all, two breaks were enough."

The final of the Shanghai Masters will take place on Sunday, where Federer will face Frenchman Gilles Simon.