ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic reaches semis, Rafael Nadal showdown still on
London`s farewell version of the ATP Finals may nonetheless have its dream climax after world primary Novak Djokovic beat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4) to seal a last-four spot on Friday.
Defeat by Russian Daniil Medvedev had left the five-time champion needing to beat Germany`s Zverev to keep away from a gaggle stage exit and he obliged with a comparatively snug win.
Djokovic will end second within the Tokyo Group, named after the primary version of the season-ending event 50 years in the past, and with Spanish world quantity two Rafa Nadal ending second within the London Group, they’ve averted a semi-final conflict.
The 33-year-old Serb will face U.S. Open champion Dominic Thiem in Saturday`s semi-final, when Nadal performs Medvedev.
Sunday`s last will finish the event`s memorable 12-year keep in London earlier than it re-locates to Turin.
Djokovic was pummelled 6-3, 6-Three by an impressed Medvedev on Wednesday, however was a lot sharper towards Zverev, one other one of many new era making an attempt to barge the previous guard off stage.
“In contrast to the match against Daniil I found the right shots at the right time,” he mentioned. “I have tremendous respect for Sascha, a great player and not easy to return 140mph first serves. It was anybody`s game for most of the match.”
Djokovic was soundly crushed by Zverev within the 2018 last, a match performed out in an electrifying environment in entrance of 18,000 followers. This time the world was empty due to the COVID-19 lockdown, a surreal backdrop for a match with a lot using on it for each males.
Despite the flat really feel, Djokovic was rapidly into game-mode and when world quantity seven Zverev double-faulted to drop serve in his first service recreation he seized management.
Zverev dug in his heels within the second set however missed an opportunity for an early break earlier than recovering from a few double faults to fend off a break level within the following recreation.
Djokovic regarded edgy at instances and twice needed to maintain serve to keep away from being dragged into a 3rd set.
But the 17-time Grand Slam champion raised the depth degree within the tiebreak, edging 5-Three forward with a fizzing backhand go. He introduced up two match factors with a hefty first serve earlier than pressurising Zverev into an error to finish victory.
Djokovic is bidding to equal Roger Federer`s report of six ATP Finals titles, whereas Nadal seeks a primary.
Round-robin motion concludes in a while Friday with Medvedev trying to full a sweep of the group by beating Argentine debutant Diego Schwartzman who can’t progress.
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