Roger Federer: Why Fed Express Will Roll Past Murray at Shanghai Masters

Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray and Tomas Berdych all succeeded in reaching the semifinals of the 2012 Shanghai Masters.

Historically speaking, never have the top four seeds reached the semifinals at the Shanghai Masters. 

After a wild scare, Federer was solid in his win over Marin Cilic in a 6-3, 6-4 decision to help establish a semifinal matchup with defending champion Andy Murray. 

Djokovic was solid after beating the German, Tommy Haas, 6-3, 6-3. Berdych, on the other hand, defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga with a 6-3, 7-6 decision. 

Djokovic and Berdych could put on a show, but the highlight match of the semifinals will be Federer and Murray. 

Federer was solid, but not spectacular.

That is one of three reasons why the Swiss will roll past Murray in the semifinals. 

1) Motivation 

Federer showed he was still motivated by simply entering this tournament.

Some consider Federer to be the best tennis player ever, so whether he walks away with a trophy or not, it does nothing to his legacy. 

More Motivation?

Andy Murray is the defending champion at the Shanghai Masters. Actually, Murray is a two-time defending champion at the Shanghai Masters. 

Federer was the runner-up in 2010, and you know the Swiss is motivated for a rematch. 

2) Grand Slam Titles

Another general reason, but a rather important one at that. Currently, Roger Federer sits at 17 Grand Slam titles. 

Federer has distanced himself from Djokovic and Rafael Nadal in terms of Slam titles. It was once believed Nadal could make up that distance, but injuries have derailed his hopes. 

Djokovic has been extremely impressive, but we'll have to wait and see with the Serbian. 

Federer stands alone in this regard, and if he wins the Shanghai Masters, the Swiss will be well on his way to a No. 1 ranking in 2013. 

3) Just Solid vs. Marin Cilic 

Unlike the other semifinals participants, Federer was solid in his defeat of Marin Cilic. The last time Federer defeated the Croatian, Cilic proved tricky in a loss. 

Federer won the match in four sets, but had to rally to come out with win.

Federer is still looking for that dominant win, and against Murray he may do just that. Usually, Federer comes out with a bang after average/solid performances. 

This should be a close match in the beginning, but I expect Federer to finish strong.