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Top four advance to ATP Finals semis

3 minute read

Novak Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev while Daniil Medvedev beat Diego Schwartzman to wrap up the group action as the season-ending ATP Finals.

NOVAK DJOKOVIC.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Novak Djokovic ensured the world's top four players reached the semi-finals of the ATP Finals, for the first time since 2004, with a straight-sets victory over Alexander Zverev.

The top-ranked Djokovic defeated 2018 champion Zverev 6-3 7-6 (7-4) on Friday to set up a clash with world No.3 Dominic Thiem on Saturday.

World No.2 Rafael Nadal will take on fourth-ranked Daniil Medvedev in the second semi-final.

Djokovic is aiming for a record-tying sixth title at the season-ending tournament, and a first since 2015, while Nadal is trying for the 10th time to win his maiden crown at the elite eight-man event.

Medvedev warmed up for his final-four showdown by blowing away Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-3 in the empty O2 Arena, to top his group with three consecutive victories.

Djokovic dominated the important points against Zverev and sealed the win on his first match point to reach the last four for the ninth time.

"Contrary to the last match against Daniil, I managed to find the right shots at the right time," Djokovic said.

Thiem, the US Open champion, won a third-set tiebreaker to beat Djokovic in group play last year, helping to eliminate the Serb before the semi-finals.

"I played him here last year and lost in the third set," Djokovic said on facing Thiem.

"It was a thrilling match. Hopefully we'll have another great match - with a different outcome."

Medvedev hit 31 winners against Schwartzman and broke the Argentine three times.

The Russian has gone 3-0 in group play after going 0-3 on debut last year.

"I was playing great in previous matches and it's always good to stay undefeated for the confidence," Medvedev said.

Nadal has a 3-0 record against Medvedev but the past two matches were battles: Nadal won their 2019 US Open final in five sets, and came from 5-1 down in the third set of their ATP Finals group match a year ago.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow," Medvedev said.

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