October 12, 2018 -- Shanghai, China

Roger needed just two sets to reach the Rolex Shanghai semifinals today against an always tough opponent, Kei Nishikori. Roger won 6-4, 7-6(4).

Continuing to take advantage of the fast playing court, the Swiss star capitalized on his success when moving forward and winning points at the net. He also served effectively and was able to win points off that shot, which made just the difference in the close match. 

"It was a tough match. Obviously Kei hogs the baseline more than Medvedev did or also what Roberto Bautista Agut did. I think it was a different type of match," he said. "I was very happy with the beginning of the match, to be quite honest. I played quite great there. Then the second set was key moments who was going to play a little bit better. Kei really tried to step it up one more time. I somehow got it done, so I was very pleased."

Next up is Borna Coric in the semifinals. 

October 11, 2018 -- Shanghai, China

Roger was pushed to three sets yet again in his round of 16 match against crafty Roberto Bautista Agut.

Hanging tight and continuing to push to win his points at the net, the defending champion came away with the a 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 win. Next, he will face Kei Nishikori in the Quarterfinals.

"I'm actually quite happy," he said. "I thought that Bautista really had to raise his level of play in that second set to stay with me. I mean, he really caught fire, I thought. I served, I think, 80% in that second set and got broken twice...at the end he got tight. I'm happy that, because of my match yesterday, I was able to stay maybe calmer, even this time around, and come up with a really good game to break at 4-4 and then serve it out was great. I was very happy."

Roger is one of four players currently battling to finish 2018 as the year-end No. 1 in the ATP Rankings. Currently number 2 in the world, he is also hoping to add Shanghai to his long list of career titles. 

October 10, 2018 -- Shanghai, China

Defending his title, Roger took the court against Daniil Medvedev for his opening match at the Rolex Shanghai Masters. 

The young Russian played with confidence as he just captured the biggest title of his career last week in Tokyo. He kept the pressure on Roger through the match forcing Roger to break in the third set to serve it out. 

Playing with style, the Swiss star took advantage of the speedy courts and found ways to win points quickly at the net. The 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win sets up a match against Roberto Bautista Agut in the next round.