Roger Federer got one over on world No 1 Novak Djokovic as the Swiss booked his spot in the World Tour Finals semis with a straight sets victory on Tuesday night.
Federer triumphed 7-5, 6-2 in their group stage clash at London’s O2 Arena, winning the key points at crucial moments to hand the Serb his first defeat on an indoor court in 39 matches, ending a winning run stretching back to 2012.
Defending champion Djokovic, on a 23-match winning streak, suffered his first defeat since losing to Federer in the Cincinnati final in August. Federer now leads their head-to-head 22-21 with this latest victory.
Earlier in the same group of four, Japan’s Kei Nishikori gave his hopes of reaching the semis a major boost with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-3 victory over Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic.
Federer won a tight first set, having won the toss and choosing to serve.
The set went with serve and the Swiss took the 11th game to love to put the pressure on Djokovic, serving at 5-6 down. Federer had a first set point at 30-40 up, but hit the net in a rally.
On a second deuce, Federer converted his second set point with a delicate backhand drop over the net that had the six-time champion’s numerous fans on their feet celebrating.
Federer led 2-1 in the second set after a quick exchange of breaks and broke for a 4-2 lead with a shot that clipped the net, deceiving Djokovic.
He took the next game to love, to leave the defending champion with a mountain to climb.
Federer earned himself a match point with a tremendous backhand that had supporters punching the air. However, Djokovic triumphed at the end of a long rally to stay clinging in the contest.
On Federer’s second match point, Djokovic shot wide and challenged, but the ball was correctly called out as the Swiss maestro celebrated victory.
Source: AFP
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