Top seed Novak Djokovic came back from a set and a break down to advance to Monday’s title match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals!
Nole secured his place in the final with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory over sixth-seeded Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro in two hours and 11 minutes at The O2 Arena.
Novak had two break points in the second game of the match, but Del Potro held with a big first serve and a massive forehand winner. The Argentine earned two break points in the ninth game and got the crucial break as Djokovic netted a forehand. The Olympic bronze medalist won the next game to love for 6-4.
The world number one and 2008 Champion saved a break point in the opening game of the second set, but couldn’t hold in the third. However, he broke back immediately for 2-all, converting his fourth break point opportunity. Nole broke Del Potro once again in the eighth game and served out the set 6-3.
Djokovic dictated play in the deciding set. A fantastic return forced three break points in the third game and a forehand winner put the Serb ahead. He consolidated the break for a 3-1 lead looking in control of the match. The 25-year-old Belgrade native was on fire. He made one more break in the seventh game, then raced to 40-0 and capitalised on the first of three match points to wrap up the win.
“He was a set and a break up so he was the better player on the court throughout the first stage of the match and I managed to turn it around and play better, so I am very thrilled to be in the finals,” said Nole.
Match statistics: aces (9-5), double faults (1-2), winners (34-26), unforced errors (30-31), total points won (89-75).
Novak reached the finals of the prestigious season-ending event for the second time in his career, first time in London, and improved to a 74-12 record on the season. He has earned 1000 ATP points so far. Win in the finals is worth 500 additional points.
The five-time Grand Slam titlist will play defending champion and second seed Roger Federer on Monday at 20.00 local time (21.00 CET). The Swiss defeated third-seeded Andy Murray 7-6, 6-2 in the second semi-final.
It will be the 29th career encounter between Djokovic and Federer (Roger leads 16-12). They have split their last 24 matches.
“I haven’t played a final of the World Tour Finals since 2008. I really look forward to it,” Novak said. “I’m going to try to give my best physically and mentally tomorrow to eventually try to get the trophy.”
Photo: Getty Images
