Cincinnati Masters: Federer routs Fish; Serena's streak ends at 19

World No 1 Roger Federer moved closer to a fifth ATP and WTA Cincinnati Masters crown as the Swiss star crushed American Mardy Fish 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to reach the semi-finals.

Federer, seeking his sixth title of the year, was in regal form as he yesterday beat Fish for the eighth time in nine meetings. The American has lost 17 of 20 sets in the one-sided rivalry.

Federer will line up on Saturday against compatriot Stanislas Wawrinka after the Swiss stormed back to beat Canadian Milos Raonic 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, in another quarter-final.

In women's play, Angelique Kerber ended the 19-match win streak of Wimbledon and Olympic champion Serena Williams with a 6-4, 6-4 victory.

The German fifth seed double-faulted on one match point but concluded with a winning ace on another to send the second seed out of the event, one that Williams has never won.

China's Li Na reached the semi-finals over top seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 6-1 as the Polish favorite struggled with a shoulder injury.

Federer was playing a Cincinnati quarter-final for the sixth time in seven years as he aims for a 76th career trophy. He owns Wawrinka 11-1 overall in their personal rivalry.

"I played really well," Federer said. "The second set was very competitive, but I was able to maintain a high level for a long time. I'm very pleased with the form and glad to reach the semis."

US Open champion Novak Djokovic booked a semi-final with Olympic bronze medalist Juan Martin del Potro by beating Marin Cilic. It will be a rematch of the bronze medal match at London.

"The match with Del Potro won't be for revenge," Djokovic said. "This is sport. You win and you lose. He is playing with confidence and it will be a big challenge to play him."

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