Montreal – Novak Djokovic downed Rafael Nadal 7-5, 6-3 on Saturday night to earn a showdown with Roger Federer in the final of the Rogers Cup.
Federer, the world No. 1, took a step toward a third Rogers Cup title with a methodical 7-6 (6), 6-2 victory over Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic in the early semifinal of the $2.45 million Masters Series event.
“Novak’s absolutely a tough player at this moment,” Federer said. “He’s got a good serve and return and he always makes you work hard.”
Federer reached his seventh final in 10 tournaments this year. The Rogers Cup is his first tournament since taking his fifth straight Wimbledon title on July 8.
“I was very happy with the way I played,” he said.
TENNIS
Sharapova withdraws from semis
Maria Sharapova withdrew 20 minutes before her semifinal match against Nadia Petrova at the East West Bank Classic in Carson, Calif., because of a lower left leg strain.
Petrova advanced to today’s final against Ana Ivanovic, who rallied from a 4-1 third-set deficit to beat fellow Serb Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the other semifinal.
GOLF
Duke star shining at U.S. Amateur
A steady Amanda Blumenherst made short work of defending champion Kimberly Kim.
The two-time college player of the year at NCAA champion Duke beat the 15-year-old Kim 5 and 3 in the semifinals of the U.S. Women’s Amateur golf tournament in Carmel, Ind.
Blumenherst advanced to today’s 36-hole final at Crooked Stick Golf Club against Maria Jose Uribe of Colombia, who beat Ha Na Jang of South Korea 2 and 1 in the other semifinal.
Catriona Matthew of Scotland and Brittany Lincicome of the U.S. shared the third-round lead at the Scandinavian TPC in Loddekopinge, Sweden.
SOCCER
Beckham a game-time decision
David Beckham may be returning to the bench just three days after making his Major League Soccer debut.
Beckham aggravated his injured left ankle last week and will be a game-time decision when the Los Angeles Galaxy plays the New England Revolution today in Foxborough, Mass.
“My ankle flared up a bit after the game the other day, and it’s swollen up a little bit from flying,” Beckham said.
Clarence Goodson scored on a header in the 92nd minute to give FC Dallas a 3-2 MLS victory over the Columbus Crew in Frisco, Texas.
WNBA
Shock clinches home-court advantage
Deanna Nolan scored 26 points, leading the host Detroit Shock over the Indiana Fever 74-69. Detroit’s victory clinched the home-court advantage throughout the WNBA playoffs.
In other action, Becky Hammon scored 18 points to lead the host San Antonio Silver Stars to a 63-60 win over the Houston Comets.
Margo Dydek had a season-high 18 points as the visiting Connecticut Sun cruised past the Chicago Sky 88-66.
