Djokovic battles through

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:20

Not for the first time in this tournament the top seed did not have things all his own way as he battled to a 3-6 7-5 7-5 victory over the Frenchman.

Djokovic will face either fourth-seeded Spaniard David Ferrer or Richard Gasquet, who progressed to the semis when Andy Murray pulled out of the tournament with a virus on Thursday.

Third seed Simon, who beat compatriot Fabrice Santoro in the quarter-finals, took his only break point opportunity to seal a tight first set.

But the Serbian world number three battled back, securing the only break of the second set to ensure the match, like their two previous meetings, went to a decider.

The pair traded breaks before Djokovic clinched his place in the final where he will face either Ferrer or Gasquet.

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By Tim Farthing

About the Author / Tim Farthing

Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.