Swiss showdown in Cincinnati

Roger Federer: through to the last four in Cincinnati after straight sets victory

Roger Federer saw off Mardy Fish to set up a clash with fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka for a place in the final of the ATP Cincinnati Masters.

The world number one produced a superb serving display, never facing a break point, as he saw off Fish 6-3 7-6 (7/4) to record his eighth triumph over the American in nine career meetings.

Federer, bidding to win the tournament for a fifth time in his career, broke his opponent's serve in the first game of the opening set, with another in the ninth putting him 1-0 ahead.

Fish did better in the second, only for the top seed to turn it up a notch in the tie-break to clinch a straight sets victory in one hour and 28 minutes.

Great atmosphere

"It was a great atmosphere," Federer told the ATP Tour's official website afterwards. "I think it was sellout crowd. That always makes it exciting.

"Playing an American here in America, it's always special.

"It was pretty straightforward. Whoever was going to be more aggressive, serve more consistent, and then play maybe a tiny bit better from the baseline was probably going to win. I'm happy I was that guy tonight."

Standing in Federer's way next is a familiar face in Wawrinka, who battled back from a set down to defeat Milos Raonic 2-6 7-6 (7/5) 6-4.

Raonic looked on course to become Canada's first semi-finalist in a Masters event or equivalent since 1969 when he cruised through the first set and then led 4-2 in the tie-break inn the second.

However, Wawrinka managed to battle back from the brink, winning five of the next six points to level matters and force a decider.

He came out on top thanks to a single break of serve in the third game, giving him a chance to improve his miserable record against Federer - he has lost against his compatriot in their last eight meetings.