26. 11. 2010. ยท
World no.3 and 2008 champion Novak Djokovic advanced into the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals semifinal with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over no.8 seed American Andy Roddick in just 65 minutes in his final Group A round robin match at the O2 arena on Friday.
Novak faced a break point in the opening game of the match but Roddick hit a backhand into the net. Djokovic earned a break point opportunity in the fourth game, converted it and then consolidated the break with a hold to love for 4-1 lead. The 23-year-old Belgrade native capitalised on his first break/set point in the eighth game and took the set 6-2 in 31 minutes.
A break in the fourth game of the second set was enough for the Serb to win the set and match 6-3 and to advance into the semi-finals in London.
Statistics: aces (5-3), double faults (0-1), winners (18-12), unforced errors (11-22), total points won (54-39).
“I knew I had to be kind of in a control of the rallies, and I did that,” said Djokovic after the win. “I needed to get a lot of returns back. I did that, as well. I was using the forehands quite well. So I am just happy with the overall performance. It’s never easy. You got to make these shots. You’ve got to get his serves back in the court and try to win the rallies.”
Nole got two wins out of three matches and has earned 400 ATP points so far.
He faces no.2 seed Swiss Roger Federer on Saturday not before 9:00 pm CET. Djokovic and Federer have met 18 times, Federer leads 12-6.
The first singles match sees world no.1 Rafael Nadal take on fifth-seeded Andy Murray.
“I think it’s great for the tournament to see us playing in the semi-final. And then on the other hand Nadal and Murray,” said Novak ahead of semi-final matches. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere. It’s the last tournament of the year, except the Davis Cup final that I’m playing next week. It’s a great achievement that I already reached the semi-final. I will try to give my best tomorrow night.”
