Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev to reach last four of ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic defeated Alexander Zverev to set up a semi-final clash against US Open champion Dominic Thiem at the Nitto ATP Finals. 

For the second day in a row at London’s O2, one of the world’s top two tennis players found himself in a straight shoot-out for a place in the last four.

And Djokovic emulated Rafael Nadal, who beat Stefanos Tsitsipas, by seeing off 2018 champion Zverev 6-3, 7-6. 

Novak Djokovic held his own as he reached the last four of the ATP Finals at London’s O2 Arena

Alexander Zverev was beaten 6-3, 7-6 on Friday as Djokovic held his own to reach the last four

Zverev struggled with Djokovic’s serve and it showed in Friday’s afternoon session in London

The top seed’s victory means the world’s top four players make up the last four, with Daniil Medvedev already through as group winner ahead of his clash with Diego Schwartzman on Friday evening.

Djokovic was well beaten by the Russian in his second match, producing a performance that was well short of his best, but he was quickly on the front foot here, winning the first seven points.

A Zverev double fault handed him the break and that was all the advantage he needed to claim the first set.

Djokovic was beaten by Daniil Medvedev in the group stage but he remains in title contention

Zverev didn’t reach his potential in Friday’s meeting and he paid the price against Djokovic

Zverev – the only man to beat Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer at the tournament – was below his best in his first two matches, although he rejected suggestions that the focus on serious assault allegations made by an ex-girlfriend, which he strongly denies, was having an effect on him.

The German improved in the second set, beginning to put some real pressure on the Djokovic serve, although he was unable to force a break.

Djokovic still was not playing at the top of his game but, as he so often does, he found a way to win the points he needed and a fine tie-break saw him across the finish line.

It is the ninth time in 13 appearances at the tournament that he has made the knockout stages and he is two victories away from a record-equalling sixth title.

Dominic Thiem, who won this year’s US Open, now stands between Djokovic and the final