Roger Federer claimed a 20th straight win and booked his place in the last four of the Qatar Open by fighting his way to a 6-3 5-7 6-4 victory over Italy's Andreas Seppi.
It looked to be business as usual for the second-seeded Swiss as he took the first set in just 24 minutes after securing an early break and dominating on his own serve.
But Seppi
hit back by taking a 5-1 lead in the second, and although Federer then reeled off four games in a row, the world number 38 broke again at a timely interval to level the contest.
hit back by taking a 5-1 lead in the second, and although Federer then reeled off four games in a row, the world number 38 broke again at a timely interval to level the contest.
The 16-time grand slam winner reasserted his control at the start of the deciding set, however, and although Seppi had chances to break back, Federer eventually wrapped up the victory.
Federer dropped just nine games in his opening two matches but was given a much tougher test this time out and may have to improve if he is to beat semi-final opponent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
"I'm looking forward to playing him. I hope we can live up to expectations," Federer said of his upcoming clash with the third-seeded Frenchman.
Tsonga through
Tsonga brushed aside the challenge of Spain's Albert Ramos to set up the showdown at the Doha-based tournament.
The Frenchman conceded only three games as he swept to an emphatic 6-2 6-1 triumph over Ramos who simply did not have the weapons to trouble his opponent.
Mixing his game up well, the third seed fired plenty of bruising winners and also made good on his promise to try and attack the net more.
Having wrapped up a comprehensive win, Tsonga turned his thoughts to Federer who he will meet should the Swiss see of Andreas Seppi later on Thursday.
"It's difficult to play against him (Federer)," he stated. "I have to be perfect and play my best tennis but I know I can do it."
Rafael Nadal reached the semi-finals in the tournament for a third straight year after the top seed recorded a 6-4 6-4 triumph over Mikhail Youzhny.
Next up for the Spaniard will be Gael Monfils, the Frenchman needing just one hour and 12 minutes to brush aside the challenge of Viktor Troicki 6-2 6-3.