Roger Federer outplayed Viktor Troicki of Serbia 6-2, 6-2 for the Qatar Open semifinals on Thursday.

Even though the Grand Slam record-holder was still not at his best, passing up seven break points before breaking through for 4-2 in the second set, there were nevertheless signs of the improved form he has enjoyed most of the time since his association with coach Paul Annacone.

"I am happier with that," Federer said. "I felt more comfortable -- more comfortable than the first and second rounds," he added referring to his unexpected hard-earned victories over Thomas Schoorel and Marco Chiudinelli.

Federer now plays Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who is seeking his first title in 15 months after a long spell with knee problems, and who reached the semi-final with a 7-6(4), 7-6(9) win over Guillermo Garcia-Lopez, the seventh-seeded Spaniard.

"He's one of the game's great characters, and a dangerous player," Federer said of the man who reached the 2008 Australian Open final.