Czech Tomas Berdych overpowered world number four Andy Murray in their Monte Carlo Masters quarter-final to set up a clash with top seed Novak Djokovic.
The sixth seed relied on his powerful forehand to prevail 6-7 6-2 6-3 over the Briton in the season's first big claycourt tennis event.
Djokovic thrashed Dutchman Robin Haase 6-4 6-2 in 77 minutes.
Rafael Nadal is still on track to clinch a record eighth consecutive title after seeing off Stanislas Wawrinka 7-5 6-4, taking his head to head record with Wawrinka to a perfect 8-0.
The Spanish ace will next face Gilles Simon, who beat fellow Frenchman and fourth seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5 6-4.
