( CNN ) -- An emotional Novak Djokovic claimed his late grandfather was with him in spirit as he beat Robin Haase to reach the last four of the Monte Carlo Masters . Djokovic learned that Vladimir has passed away hours before his quarterfinal against Alexandr Dolgopolov on Thursday but decided to play on . And after his routine 6-4 6-2 win over Haase , from the Netherlands , he paid tribute to his grandfather . `` Today was a bit better , but still a lot of emotional ups and downs throughout the match , '' he was quoted as saying on the ATP Tour 's website . Djokovic puts grief to one side to down Dolgopolov . `` But look , I 'm playing tennis . I 'm very satisfied that I was able to compose myself and get on the court and try to win matches . I got to the semifinals , which is big result for me under the circumstances . `` I was very close to him , so it was a big loss for me and all the family . But he 's with me , I know that , in spirit . I 'm remembering only the nicest memories , and that 's what gave me strength to play yesterday and today . '' Djokovic will now face Tomas Berdych after the Czech knocked out No.3 seed Andy Murray , from Britain , 6-7 6-2 6-3 and the Serbian said his next opponent is a threat on any surface . `` He knows what it feels like to play on the big stage , '' he added . `` Big ground strokes , powerful serve . He had a great match against Andy today . Hit incredible shots from baseline . `` It 's a big challenge for me to see if I 'm able to keep the focus throughout the whole match because this is the only way I can actually get a win against Tomas . We 'll see if that 's going to happen . I 'll give my best . '' Berdych said his approach against Djokovic would be the same that proved successful against Murray , who admitted the best player had won . Former No.1 Clijsters to miss French Open with injury . `` I 'm going to do everything the same like I do before every game , '' Berdych said . `` It 's a day to play the No . 1 player in the world , which is always great . It 's a semifinal , which is fantastic . '' Djokovic is on course to meet defending champion Rafael Nadal in the final after the Spaniard maintained his incredible winning streak in Monte Carlo with a 7-5 6-4 victory over Poland 's Stanislas Wawrinka . Nadal 's win was his 40th in a row at the tournament -- his last defeat came in 2003 -- and the world No . 2 said he is improving as the week goes on . `` Today was a difficult match , '' he said . `` I had before the match big respect for this afternoon . He arrived for the match playing I think great . `` I am happy about the way that I played . I 'm in the semifinals . That 's fantastic news for me . I 'm just looking forward to playing a good match tomorrow . '' Nadal will now meet Gilles Simon after he won his all French clash with Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5 6-4 .
World No . 1 Novak Djokovic beats Robin Haase to reach last four of Monte Carlo Masters . Emotional Djokovic speaks to press after his grandfather passed away on Thursday . Serbian says grandfather Vladimir was with him in spirit as he won his quarterfinal . World No . 2 Rafael Nadal also through to semifinals but Andy Murray knocked out .