Novak Djokovic clinches a spot in the London semifinals by beating Juan Martin Del Potro in three sets on Thursday. Next up for Del Potro is a virtual quarterfinal clash against Roger Federer.
(1) Novak Djokovic d. (4) Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Djokovic improved to 2-0 at the World Tour Finals by defeating Del Potro in one hour and 53 minutes on Thursday night. With the victory, the world No. 2 assured himself of a place in Sunday’s semifinals. This was their fourth consecutive encounter that progressed the distance, following showdowns in Indian Wells, Wimbledon, and Shanghai. After Djokovic broke serve in the sixth game of the first set, Del Potro did the same during the second frame of play.
The momentum shifted back to the Serb’s corner at 1-1 in the third, when he saved two break points–one with an ace and another thanks to a missed forehand pass by Del Potro. Djokovic seized his crucial break again the sixth game for a 4-2 advantage. From there, he served it out to advance and send Del Potro into an all-or-nothing battle against Roger Federer.
[polldaddy poll=7542071]
(6) Roger Federer d. (8) Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-3
While Del Potro dropped to 1-1, Federer evened his record at 1-1 by beating Gasquet in one hour and 21 minutes. Gasquet, mathematically eliminated at 0-2, saw his lone highlight of the match come when he broke Federer for 4-4 in the opening set. The 32-year-old Swiss, however, broke right back one game later then served out the set with ease at 5-4.
The Frenchman had four break chances in the second, but Federer fought off all of them and for the most part dominated on serve. He put in 84 percent of his first deliveries and held all four of his service games, so two breaks of his own were more than enough.
“Richard does a good job of making you feel uncomfortable at the same time as well, because he uses heights and spins really well,” Federer explained. “He likes extended rallies. I’m trying to force the issue. But I guess those are the kind of matches I need right now–straight sets against a good player.”
[polldaddy poll=7542069]
Flashes of the old Federer today. Apart from needing six match points to seal the win, he hasn’t played with so much confidence in ages. On the other hand Gasquet didn’t put up much resistance until he was facing match point.
^^^Got it in one.
Gasquet was horrendous
Would you say it was down to fatigue or nerves, or both? Or was he just trying to emulate the Federer penchant for dramatic BH shanks on key points 🙂
Go Nole!
The whole way through the match I was thinking it should’ve been Tsonga who nabbed the last place. Gasquet is just not mentally or physically equal to the job.
Grosjean looked more and more glum with every UE.
@ed
Can’t believe Crashquet made it! Raonic, JJ, Tsonga, just about anyone else!
so true…Tsonga would have made it more competitive, and Milos as well….I like Gasquet but it was clear from the very start of the WTF that he will end up being a punching bag…Too bad he could not put up a better fight…Nole will destroy him…
Djoker says he is playing his best tennis atm which proves that his best is not good enough to be #1 in the world.
I don’t think Nole means it…he is just playing mind games to intimidate his opponents…I think Nole looks tired and vulnerable…he may experience serious difficulties already in the semis…just wait and see…
I think in the fall Nole has been playing unbelievable. Even though I don’t like him so much thanks to his foul mouthed fans and bandwagon jumping toxic Fed fans, I have been rubbing my eyes in disbelief at his performance.
Most Nole fans are still missing. Curious. One would have thought they would be proud of Nole’s performance.
This just underlines mine and nadline’s hypothesis. There aren’t any Nole or Fed fans. They are all anti-Rafa fans.
He is playing very well but with strange lapses in concentration and has clocked up many more UEs than normal for him – often at quite critical moments. Luckily so far his serve has got him out of trouble. I agree he looks tired and under stress.
Also have you noticed how anxious and subdued his team have looked all this week. Not nearly as demonstrative as usual. Could be to do with the verdict on Troicki and the effect that will have on the Davis Cup team.
Where is the Fed vs Delpo thread? Surely this match deserves one?
Am standing by my pred: Fed will tank to avoid Rafa…………
it’s on the Fed-Delpo thread.
Hope this helps.
What’s with Mirka and chewing gum???