Ferrer, Djokovic reach Open semifinals

David Ferrer and Novak Djokovic advanced in different ways Thursday to complete the semifinal pairings at the U.S. Open. Ferrer overcame a 1-4 deficit in the fifth set to outlast Janko Tipsarevic in their quarterfinal encounter and Djokovic, the defending champion, needed only three sets to get past Juan Martin del Potro. Thursday's winners will meet in the semifinals Saturday with the other match sending Andy Murray against Tomas Berdych, conqueror of world No. 1 Roger Federer. Ferrer fell behind in his afternoon matchup with Tipsarevic before prevailing 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-4). Ferrer improved to 17-9 in his career five-set matches and has defeated Tipsarevic in three of their four meetings. Djokovic defeated del Potro 6-2, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 in their late-night confrontation, gaining some revenge for his loss to del Potro in the bronze-medal match at the London Olympics. Ferrer, Murray and Berdych are all looking for their first Grand Slam title. Djokovic has five major championships to his credit, including this year's Australian Open.