Top-seeded Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinals of the $2.23 million Dubai Tennis Championship at Dubai, united Arab Emirates, yesterday with a straight sets win over Marin Cilic, but No. 2 seed Andy Murray withdrew with a viral infection hours before his match.

Third-seeded Gilles Simon of France defeated compatriot Fabrice Santoro 7-6 (3), 6-1, and will next face Djokovic, who defeated Cilic 6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour, 37 minutes.

Murray, ranked No. 4, was scheduled to play the final match of the day on Center Court against France's Richard Gasquet, who will now play fourth-seeded David Ferrer of Spain in the semis.

Ferrer, who beat Igor Andreev of Russia 7-5, 6-1, denied that Murray's withdrawal meant he would now have an easier semifinal.

"No, no. Murray going out doesn't make it any easier for me because Gasquet is a very good player," Ferrer said. "The last time I played against him, it was very tough."

Murray, also bothered by an ankle injury, said he's been feeling poorly since the Australian Open last month.

"I got it first down in Australia, and I haven't been the same really since," Murray said. "I woke up in the middle of the night sweating. I got some anti-viral (medication) from the doctor ... but it didn't help so much."

FISH IN QUARTERFINALS

Mardy Fish reached the quarterfinals of the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Vince Spadea on yesterday at Delray Beach, Fla.

"We've always had tough matches," Fish said. "We've had three-setters most every time if not every time. I think I've figured out what to do."

Fish, who reached the final in 2003, is hoping to become the first top seed in the 17-year history of this tournament to score the winner's trophy.

Fish will play sixth-seeded Florent Serra, who outlasted Mischa Zverev 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

CUP BEEFS UP SECURITY

About 1,000 police from seven counties will handle security for Sweden's Davis Cup match against Israel next week in Malmo, Sweden, amid fears that protests could turn violent.

Police commissioner Hakan Jarborg Eriksson said yesterday that officials expect a "Stop the Match" protest, formed after Israel's offensive in Gaza started in December, to be relatively calm. But there are fears that protests from small, radical groups could turn violent, he said.

The first-round World Group match will be played March 6 to 8 without fans at the 4,000-seat Baltic Hall. Only teams, officials, some sponsors and journalists will be allowed to enter the hall.

Organizers of a "Stop the Match" campaign expect 8,000 to 12,000 people will demonstrate on March 7 before the Davis Cup doubles match.

NFL

DOLPHINS SIGN SAFETIES

The Miami Dolphins are set at safety.

Miami re-signed Yeremiah Bell on the eve of free agency yesterday and acquired Gibril Wilson, who landed a big contract for the second year in a row.

Wilson, a five-year veteran released last week by the Oakland Raiders, signed a $27.5 million, five-year deal. He'll receive $8 million guaranteed and $16.5 million in the first three years of the contract.

Bell, who has spent his entire five-year career with Miami, signed a $20 million, four-year contract rather than testing the free-agent market beginning today. His deal is worth $10 million guaranteed.

VICK TO FINISH AT HOME

Imprisoned NFL star Michael Vick will be allowed to finish his sentence under home confinement because there is no room at a halfway house for him, a government official told The Associated Press yesterday.

Vick is serving a 23-month sentence at the federal penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan., after pleading guilty to bankrolling a dogfighting operation at a home he owned in eastern Virginia's Surry County. He also admitted to participating in the killing of several underperforming dogs.

Vick's lawyers have said they expected him to be moved any day into a halfway house in Newport News. But because of a lack of space, Vick will be released instead to his Hampton home at some point on or after May 21.

AND WHAT'S MORE ...

High-priced left guard Derrick Dockery and veteran tight end Robert Royal were released by the Buffalo Bills yesterday as the team cleared $8 million in salary cap space to prepare for free agency. ... The Dallas Cowboys released 17-year veteran quarterback Brad Johnson, who played just four games over two seasons as the backup to Tony Romo. ... Cornerback DeAngelo Hall has agreed to a six-year, $54 million deal to remain with the Washington Redskins. The contract will include $22.5 million in guaranteed money.