adminLONDON. — Roger Federer got one over on world number one Novak Djokovic as the Swiss tennis great booked his World Tour Finals last four spot with a straight sets victory on Tuesday night. Federer triumphed 7-5, 6-2 in their group stage clash in the packed 17 800-capacity O2 Arena in London, winning the key points at crucial moments to hand the Serb his first indoor defeat in 39 matches – a winning run stretching back to 2012.
Triple defending champion Djokovic, on a 23-match winning streak, suffered his first defeat since losing to Federer in the Cincinnati final on August 23.
But after becoming the first man through to this year’s semis, world number three Federer insisted Djokovic was still the favourite to win the season-ending tournament, which is disputed between the top eight players on a hard court.
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.
“I know it’s a big win. Could help me for what’s to come in this tournament,” Federer said. — AFP.
Online Reporter