Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal set for semi-final ATP Finals clash in London
Roger Federer eliminates Japan’s Kei Nishikori
Novak Djokovic set up an ATP Tour Finals showdown against Rafael Nadal as the defending champion booked his semi-final berth with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Tomas Berdych, while Roger Federer defeated Kei Nishikori to eliminate the Japanese star on Thursday.
After Federer’s 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 win earlier in the day, world number one Djokovic knew he would advance to the last four if he could secure one set against Berdych in his concluding group match at London’s O2 Arena.
The Serb, a winner of three grand slam titles this year, wasted little time achieving that goal as he took the first set to ensure he would finish second in the group behind Federer and eventually eased to victory in 89 minutes.
He has played great in his first couple of matches and hopefully I will be able to play my best. That is what is needed to beat him
Djokovic’s bid to win the Tour Finals for a record fourth successive year is likely to face a sterner test on Saturday from his old rival Nadal, who looked in fine form while romping to victories over Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray to secure top spot in the other group.
READ MORE: Novak Djokovic overcomes stubborn Nishikori in ATP Finals semis
“We have played so many times and even a couple of times on this very court,” said Djokovic, who has won seven of his last eight matches with Nadal.
“He has played great in his first couple of matches and hopefully I will be able to play my best. That is what is needed to beat him.”
Federer, who has won the Tour Finals a record six times, will face either Murray or Wawrinka, who clash on Friday, in the semi-finals.
Losing to Federer in straight sets would never be an easy result to stomach for the ultra-competitive Serb, but it was especially painful since it ruined his three remarkable winning streaks.