DOHA, Qatar — Top-seeded Novak Djokovic survived a second set challenge to dismiss eighth-seeded Leonardo Mayer of Argentina 6-3, 7-5 to reach the Qatar Open semifinal Thursday.
Mayer made four unforced errors when serving for the second set at 5-4 which opened the door for Djokovic to take a straight-set victory.
He will play Tomas Berdych in the semifinals against whom he has a 21-2 winning record. Berdych, of the Czech Republic, beat Kyle Edmund of Britain 6-3, 6-2.
"I think I've played better first and second sets, but credit to him for being solid and going for his shots," Djokovic said.