OMNISPORT

Novak Djokovic moved a step closer to winning his 60th tour-level title, but did not have things all his own way in a straight-sets victory over Leonardo Mayer in the Qatar Open quarter-finals.

The world number one beat Mayer 6-3 7-5 in Doha on Thursday to set up a last-four encounter with Tomas Berdych.

Top seed Djokovic was not at his brilliant best and had to come from a break down in both sets to come out on top against the Argentinian.

Ten-time grand-slam champion Djokovic made the most of five of his seven break-point opportunities and saved three to oust the world number 35.

Mayer took a 2-0 lead in the first set, but Djokovic responded by winning the next four games and a third break of serve wrapped up the opener.

Djokovic faced the prospect of being taken to a decider when Mayer served for the second at 5-4, but the Serb reeled off three games in a row to reach yet another semi-final.