Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France (Sports Network) - World No. 1 Novak Djokovic was an easy quarterfinal victor Friday at the Monte Carlo Masters.
The 2009 runner-up improved to 23-2 this year by handling Dutchman Robin Haase 6-4, 6-2 on the red clay at the famed Monte Carlo Country Club. The break-filled match featured seven service breaks by the super Serb.
Djokovic, who will appear in his fifth semifinal in five events so far this season, won here on Thursday just hours after learning about the death of his grandfather.
The reigning Australian Open, U.S. Open and Wimbledon champ Djokovic's semifinal opponent on Saturday will be sixth-seeded Czech slugger and former Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych, who came from behind to upend third-seeded world No. 4 British star Andy Murray 6-7 (4-7), 6-2, 6-3 in 2 hours, 48 minutes. The three-time Grand Slam finalist Murray's least-favorite surface in clay.
Berdych broke Murray five times on Day 6, while the Scot settled for only one break in defeat.
Djokovic and Berdych will meet for a 10th time, with the Serb holding a commanding 8-1 lead in their lifetime series, including wins in their last six meetings.
The 2012 winner of this $3.2 million Masters event will collect $603,000.
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