Novak Djokovic is two wins away from completing perhaps the most resurgent second halves of a season in tennis history. Of course, Djokovic will do that regardless of what transpires the rest of the way at the Nitto ATP Finals; but he would like to finish things off on a perfect high note.
The world No. 1, who had dropped as low as No. 23 in the rankings this spring, will hope to continue his hot streak at the expense of Kevin Anderson during semifinal action in London on Saturday. Djokovic and Anderson will be facing each other for the ninth time in their careers, with the Serb dominating the head-to-head series 7-1. He has won seven in a row against the South African since losing their first-ever showdown at the 2008 Miami Masters. They have squared off twice in 2018; Djokovic triumphed 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(3) in the Wimbledon final and 7-6(1), 6-3 in the Shanghai semis.
Both of those victories are part of an incredible hot stretch that has seen the 31-year-old compile a 33-2 record in his last 35 matches. That includes a 2-0 record through his first two round-robin contests at the O2 Arena (a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of John Isner and a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Alexander Zverev).
Like Djokovic, Anderson took the semifinal guesswork out of the equation prior to his last round-robin match. It hardly mattered that the Wimbledon runner-up lost to Roger Federer 6-4, 6-3 on Thursday night–except that Anderson is now the second seed out of Group B and therefore has to face Djokovic instead of Zverev; no mall consequence, to be sure.
“He’s playing amazing tennis,” Anderson said of Djokovic. “Obviously he’s really established himself back to the top of the game. (It’s a) great, great opportunity for me. Obviously [the loss to Federer] was tough. (In the) previous two matches I played really good tennis, coming off quite a few weeks where I’ve been playing better and better. (It’s) nice I have [Friday off] to resettle.”
The wold No. 6 preceded his loss to the Swiss by taking care of both Dominic Thiem and Kei Nishikori in straight sets. Anderson is now 48-18 for his 2018 campaign.
Unfortunately for the underdog, Djokovic is second to none on tour both in ranking and returning serve. He can neutralize opponents’ biggest weapons better than anyone else, just as he did to Isner and Zverev earlier this week. It will go down as a great season and a solid week for Anderson, but the end is most likely near.
Pick: Djokovic in 2
[polldaddy poll=10166712]
WWW?
who can beat Novak? Novak in 2
100% confirmed Nole.
in a way confirmed 6th WTF champion.
Joker in 2
I see Anderson was drawn into a baseline war with Djoko, no wonder he’s doomed. He’s not making many first serves in the first set esp, probably was fearful of Djoko’s ROS; with major weapon not able to help him, no wonder he lost 6-2, 6-2, easy peasy for Djoko!
Those who came close to beating, or had actually beaten Djoko lately, had played with varieties in their game; engaging in baseline war with Djoko would end up in defeat. I hope Sasha plays with some varieties in the final.