Andrey Rublev of Russia downed France's Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-3 on Friday at the ATP Shanghai Masters in a repeat of their clash at the China Open two weeks ago, setting up his semifinal match with Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, who overcame Chile's Nicolas Jarry 7-6(2), 6-4 earlier in the day. 

Rublev wrapped his victory in a little over 90 minutes to boost his chance of qualifying for the year-end finals due to take place in Turin in November. 

The world No.7 is now the highest-ranking player who still remains in the draw, and is eyeing his second ATP Masters 1000 level title in his career, which will elevate him to a career-high 4th-placed ranking, and a third title of the season. 

"The match in Beijing, both of us played great tennis and I had chances. I was serving for the match. He was playing really well that match and I tried to analyse what I did wrong that match," said Rublev. 

"I tried to not make the same mistakes today and I did really well. I am happy to win in straight sets. I played a great match and I am happy to win today," he added. 

Rublev, who has entered his sixth semifinal at this level, has a 3-3 head-to-head record against Dimitrov, who is now the most senior player in the draw at the age of 32. 

"It is going to be a tough match," said Rublev.

"He is a friend and I like him and he is a really great player. It is really tough to beat him when he is in this form. This week he is playing really well," he added. 

The other semifinal will happen between Hubert Hurkacz of Poland and American Sebastian Korda on Saturday. 

Meanwhile, Swiss tennis great Roger Federer was honored with an Icon Athlete Award in Shanghai, where he won two titles in 2014 and 2017. It's his first appearance in front of the Chinese spectators since he retired in September 2022.

"For me it was a dream year and I believe it was the last time I won the Rolex Shanghai Masters, so of course it's forever special. It was a terrific week, and I loved the battles I had with Rafa. I'm happy I won the final here that year," he said.