Djokovic through to Masters Cup semifinals

Novak Djokovic became the first player to qualify for the semifinals of the 2008 Masters Cup on Tuesday, defeating Nikolay Davydenko in a 3 set thriller.

Djokovic, who failed to win a single match in the 2007 Masters Cup, survived a strong fightback by Davydenko in the second set to clinch a  7-6, 0-6, 7-5 victory and top the tournament's Gold group.

"It's a great achievement for me, going through to the semi-finals," Djokovic told Reuters. "Last year wasn't that much fun for me. It's different this year because I'm coming here as a grand slam winner and more mature player, stronger mentally and physically on the court."

While Djokovic was celebrating his win, Frenchman Jo Wilfrieds Tsonga was sent packing by Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro, who kept his hopes of reaching the Masters Cup semi-finals alive with a hard-fought 7-6, 7-6 victory.

"I know his game," del Potro said of his opponent. "I know what can I do against this player, and that's what I did today. I played very good."

Del Potro will play Nikolay Davydenko next, in a battle for the remaining semi-final qualifying berth in the Gold group.

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