Djokovic to face Federer in Cincinnati final

By Simon Evans

MASON, Ohio (Reuters) - Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the top two players in the world, set up a showdown for the Cincinnati Masters title after cruising to semi-final victories on Saturday.

The gap between the leading four, which also contains Rafa Nadal and Andy Murray, and the chasing pack was again evident as Djokovic beat Argentine Juan Martin del Potro 6-3 6-2 before Federer saw off fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6 6-3.

World number one Federer is chasing a fifth title in Cincinnati while Djokovic is hoping to claim his first at the Ohio venue.

The Serb has lost in the final three times including last year when he retired injured in the second set against Murray and in 2009 when he was beaten by Federer.

Djokovic avenged his defeat by Del Potro in the bronze-medal match at the London Olympics earlier this month when he powered into his 22nd Masters 1000 final.

A tight first set turned in Djokovic's favor when sixth seed Del Potro, who was unable to capitalize on any of the six break points he had in the match, double-faulted to let his opponent go 4-2 ahead.

It was relatively straightforward in the second set after Djokovic, who won last week's Toronto Masters crown, took advantage of some loose returns to break for a 2-1 lead.

Federer has a 15-12 advantage in matches with Djokovic and won their last meeting in the Wimbledon semi-finals last month.