Djokovic has lost his previous two matches against Olivier Rochus

World number four Novak Djokovic appeared to be finding his feet on grass as he brushed aside Jurgen Melzer 6-1 6-4 to reach the Halle semi-finals.

The Serb saved five match points against Florent Serra in his previous match but had a much easier time of it on Friday, winning 6-1 6-4.

The second seed now meets Belgian qualifier Olivier Rochus, who beat Benjamin Becker 6-7 (4-7) 6-3 6-3.

Tommy Haas meets fellow German Philipp Kohlschreiber in the other semi-final.

Djokovic has lost his two previous matches against Rochus, both in 2005.

"It's going to be interesting to play him again," said Djokovic.

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"He has a great game on grass, he's got a great touch and he moves very well. He played the qualifying rounds so he's got a few matches on grass already.

"I felt I was in control most of the match (against Melzer), I moved better.

"Maybe on paper I am the favourite to win this tournament, but the other guys are also playing great tennis and I don't want to put myself under extra pressure."

Rochus was delighted to reach the last four after battling back from losing the first set.

"I had surgery on my shoulder last October and I only came back in February," said the world number 136.

"I haven't been in the semi-finals of an ATP tournament for a long time and so I am very, very happy. I have had a bit of luck in the draw, but I just want to go out and enjoy the occasion now."

Haas and Kohlschreiber both beat German opponents in their quarter-finals.

Former world number two Haas saw off Mischa Zverev 7-6 (5) 6-2, while Kohlschreiber came from a set down to beat Andreas Beck 3-6 6-3 6-3.

Having hit 10 aces past Dmitry Tursunov in round two, last year's runner-up Kohlschreiber smashed 17 past Beck, who lost his nerve in the second set and allowed his compatriot to take control.

"He (Beck) was the better player in the first set and I really had to regain my composure, so I am happy with the win," said Kohlschreiber.

"I am just glad we have an all-Germany semi-final now."

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