Semifinal #1:

[6] David Ferrer (ESP) vs Julien Benneteau (FRA)

Two veterans will square off for a spot in the Cincinnati championship round.  Ferrer won the Paris indoor and has reached a Grand Slam final and multiple Masters 1000 finals, but this would be a huge feather in his cap if he took the Cincinnati tile.  Benneteau’s smooth game could have a late career exclamation point if he takes the Cincinnati title.  So a shot at a memorable career moment is the only thing on the line for each man. Benneteau certainly can win especially if he attacks Ferrer at the right moments.  Still, Ferrer is the favorite based upon his career consistency and his warrior’s mentality.

Prediction: David Ferrer d. Julien Benneteau 3-6, 7-5, 6-2

Semifinal #2:

[2] Roger Federer vs. [5] Milos Raonic (CAN)

I have no doubt that Milos will play better than he did in his Grand Slam semifinal debut.  In that match, Federer grabbed an early lead and salted that away by taking the first set.  Then in the second and third sets Federer took care of his serve and applied pressure when Raonic was serving at 4-5 to take each set 6-4.  I think Federer is the favorite, but expect Milos to make this match pretty memorable.

Prediction: Roger Federer d. Milos Raonic 6-7, 6-3, 6-4