CINCINNATI: Roger Federer and Andy Murray advanced to the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open in contrasting fashion on Friday to set up a rematch of their Wimbledon clash.

Federer made quick work of Spaniard Feliciano Lopez in a 6-3, 6-4 quarterfinal romp that lasted just over an hour.

Murray needed to grind out another win against Richard Gasquet, outlasting the Frenchman 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 after two hours.

Third seed Murray saved a match point in the third set and fought fatigue to win his second straight three-set battle.

“I fought and gave everything I had, but thankfully it’s just been enough in the last two days,” Murray, who lost to Federer in straight sets in the Wimbledon semifinals, told reporters.

Earlier, top seed Novak Djokovic avenged his French Open final loss to Stan Wawrinka by crushing the Swiss 6-4 6-1.

The world No.1 next faces Ukrainian qualifier Alexandr Dolgopolov, a 6-4, 6-2 winner over Czech sixth seed Tomas Berdych.

Murray, who is trying to back up last week’s Montreal title with his third in Cincinnati, fired 35 winners and broke four times in just over two hours against his French opponent.

The Scot admitted that his stamina is running low.

“I’m obviously tired, I’ve played a lot of matches, a lot of late nights. My recovery hasn’t been perfect either.

“I’m just happy I managed to fight through a lot of tough matches, difficult situations, and hopefully that will stand me in good stead for the US Open.”

Defending champion Serena Williams swept the last six games to overhaul Ana Ivanovic 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in a repeat of the 2014 final won by the American. Her next opponent will be Ukrainian 14th seed Elina Svitolina, who upset Roland Garros finalist Lucie Safarova 6-4, 2-6, 6-0.

Williams said that after playing on the back foot in the first set, she raised her game to post her ninth victory in 10 meetings over the former Roland Garros champion from Serbia.

“I was lethargic in the first set and she played incredibly well. I just had to do better.

“This was my best performance since (winning) Wimbledon. I hope to take the momentum into the next match.”

Third seed Simona Halep beat Anna Schmiedlova 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 while former champion Jelena Jankovic defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-4, 6-2 to complete the women’s semifinal line.

Halep can overtake Maria Sharapova on second in the rankings if she reaches the final.