Former world No1 Roger Federer ends Novak Djokovic’s winning streak to secure semi-final place at ATP World Tour Finals
Former world No1 Roger Federer delivered an unmistakable statement of intent after ending top seed Novak Djokovic’s 23-match winning run with a scintillating performance at the ATP World Tour Finals at London’s O2 Arena last night.
Six-time champion Federer beat the Serb 7-5, 6-2 to seal a semi-final place, a result which represented Djokovic’s first defeat in 39 indoor matches, while the 28-year-old had also won his last 15 clashes at the season-ending finale.
Eighth seed Kei Nisikori, meanwhile, reignited his bid to reach the tournament’s knockout stages after battling past Czech Tomas Berdych, having been annihilated by Djokovic in his opening clash.
In the first singles match not to be won in straight sets, Nishikori, who reached the semi-finals on his competition debut last year, emerged victorious, winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 after saving a break point in the deciding set.
Britain’s Jamie Murray and his doubles partner John Peers of Australia suffered their first reverse of the tournament in their second group match, losing 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) to India’s Rohan Bopanna and Florin Mergea of Romania, who reached the last four.