Tennis-Djokovic beats Murray to reach semifinals in Paris

PARIS - World number one Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals at the Paris Masters tennis tournament after beating Britain's Andy Murray in straight sets 7-5, 6-2 late on Friday.

Djokovic defeated the great rival easier than expected. They were equal only for the duration of the first set, with Djokovic taking over in the second to bring the match easily to his 15th career victory over Murray in the 23rd meeting between them.

The Serb will next face Kei Nishikori of Japan, who beat Spain's David Ferrer 3-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 last night.

The total prize money for the Paris Masters is EUR 3.45 million.

Photo AP/Jacques Brinon, Michel Euler