The semifinal results are in from the 2012 Shanghai Masters. Saturday's results saw Andy Murray eliminate Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic eliminate Tomas Berdych with neither semifinal requiring a third set or a tiebreaker. That now sets up a showdown between Djokovic and Murray in what will be a repeat of September's US Open final. Despite the fact that Murray enters the final having won their last match-up, the Serb is considered the favorite to take away the Shanghai title (ie. bet365 4/7).
Djokovic's status as betting favorite follows his red hot form over the last two weeks. He blazed through the Beijing draw with just one dropped set in the tournament and he is into this week's final with distinguished form in Shanghai as well. Not only has Djokovic not dropped a set in the current Masters Series event but he's won each set he's played without having to face a tiebreaker. The closest match Djokovic has played en route to the final came against Berdych and even that match proved uncompetitive as it ended without much drama at 6-3, 6-4. The World No. 2 is 16-0 in his last sixteen sets played and although he cannot catch Federer for the World No. 1 spot in Shanghai, Djokovic looks great to reclaim top spot on tour with or before the conclusion of the 2012 ATP World Tour Finals.
Djokovic holds a winning record against Murray at 8-7 however the Scot has won three of their last four matches. Additionally Murray's win over Federer in the semifinals says a lot more about how well the World No. 3 is playing right now compared to any of Djokovic's recent victories. Despite the World No. 2's form when you look carefully at his recent results you don't actually see any success against the best players on tour. Djokovic is still taking out the likes of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Ferrer, and Tomas Berdych but the Serb has consistently lost to Murray and Federer since the end of the clay court season.
Murray isn't quite in the mix for the World No. 1 ranking right now and since a win in Shanghai would be a title defense he would not gain any ranking points should he win on Sunday. However if Murray does well at the Paris Masters and then in London, his bid for top spot on tour could be a serious one when the 2013 Australian Open rolls around in a few month's time.
Prediction for the Shanghai final: Murray, straight up (4:30pm CST).