Tennis: Djokovic, Murray knocked out in Cincinnati

World number one Novak Djokovic’s bid to become the first man to win all nine Masters titles was ended by big-serving American John Isner in the Cincinnati quarter-finals on Friday.

Czech star Tomas Berdych also routed world number 2 Britain’s Andy Murray in another quarter final, 6-3,6-4, ending Murray’s quest for the Cincinnati title.

The exit sends Murray to New York to prepare for his US Open title defence starting August 26.

The Scot fired 20 aces but he missed on all four of his break points. Berdych has now beaten Murray twice this season after defeating him in Madrid on clay.

Isner stunned Djokovic, the top seed 7-6 (7/5), 3-6, 7-5, taking the tie on a second match point.

Isner will face 2009 US Open winner Juan Martin Del Potro, who beat qualifier Dmitry Tursunov 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, for a place in the final.