Federer, Murray in final

SHANGHAI (AP):

Roger Federer defeated Novak Djokovic 7-5, 6-4 yesterday to set up a match with Andy Murray in the final of the Shanghai Masters. With the win, Federer will regain the No. 2 ranking he lost when he was beaten by the Serb in the US Open semi-finals in September.

Murray dispatched Juan Monaco of Argentina 6-4, 6-1 in the other semi-final to reach his fourth final of the year.

Federer could capture the 64th title of his career today, moving into a tie with Pete Sampras for fourth place on the all-time list.

Murray has won seven of their 12 career matches, including the last time they played in the Toronto Masters final in August - the Scot's only title of the year.

Federer was under pressure at the start, fighting off four break points in a tight third game, before holding, when Djokovic hit a forehand long.

11th victory

The Swiss player then began attacking the net more, setting up a break point of his own at 5-5 with a backhand-approach shot that Djokovic hit into the net. He converted when the Serb put another shot in the net.

Federer broke twice more in the second set to take a 4-1 lead and sealed the match, his 11th victory over Djokovic in 17 meetings.

"I think the first set could have gone either way," Federer said. "It was really an open battle. I got the better of him at the end of the first set. I think for 10 minutes he was a bit out of it and I was able to take advantage of that."

Djokovic, who had been attempting to capture back-to-back titles in China after winning last week in Beijing, said losing the first break was the key to the match.