The ‘Djoker’ embodies mastery
10 Nov 2012 7:00 AM IST
Novak Djokovic advanced to the semifinal of the ATP Tour Finals with a 100 percent record as the world number one defeated Czech fifth seed Tomas Berdych 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) at London’s O2 Arena on Friday.
Djokovic had already defeated Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in his previous Group A matches and the Serb knew he needed only to win one set against Berdych to be sure of qualifying.
The 25-year-old achieved that goal in just over half an hour, but he refused to take it easy after that and secured the victory which guaranteed first place in the group and potentially an easier route to the final.
In the process, Djokovic also secured his 73rd match win of 2012, moving him level with David Ferrer as the year’s two most successful players on the Tour.
Berdych’s second loss of the tournament means he is eliminated, while US Open champion Murray can seal his place in the last four by taking one set from his match against Tsonga later on Friday.
Djokovic had won 10 of his previous 11 encounters with Berdych, a dominant run which included victories over the Czech in the Tour Finals for the last two years.
The Serb, who won the Tour Finals in 2008 in Shanghai, was quick to take command again, breaking for a 2-1 lead when Berdych netted on the fourth break-point of the game.
Berdych had a chance to get back in the match when he earned his first break point on the Djokovic serve in the next game, but the Serb snuffed out that glimmer of hope before pressing home his advantage.
Djokovic showed ample class and prowess in the final set as Berdych threatened to shake off his mastery.
Federer Vows To Probe Money Snub
Roger Federer has vowed to investigate the ATP’s controversial decision to reject an offer to increase prize money at the Indian Wells tournament.
The issue of prize money has been a hot topic for the last 12 months as stars like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic push for the four Grand Slams to raise the financial rewards on offer.
As president of the ATP players’ council, Federer has been keen to ensure any increase in prize money is spread equally among the lower-ranked players as well as the leading names.
The decision was reportedly taken because the tournament wanted to give more to those losing in the earlier rounds in contravention of ATP rules, but many players are said to be furious about the move and Federer plans to ask questions in a bid to resolve the problem.
‘For me, I was a bit surprised to hear that,’ Federer said after his win over David Ferrer at the ATP Tour Finals in London on Thursday.
‘Obviously, I wasn’t in the room when everything went down because it’s at the board level, at the CEO level.
‘What I can tell you is I will investigate and make sure that the decision they’ve taken is, indeed, the right one,’ said the Swiss international on Friday.
Djokovic had already defeated Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in his previous Group A matches and the Serb knew he needed only to win one set against Berdych to be sure of qualifying.
The 25-year-old achieved that goal in just over half an hour, but he refused to take it easy after that and secured the victory which guaranteed first place in the group and potentially an easier route to the final.
In the process, Djokovic also secured his 73rd match win of 2012, moving him level with David Ferrer as the year’s two most successful players on the Tour.
Berdych’s second loss of the tournament means he is eliminated, while US Open champion Murray can seal his place in the last four by taking one set from his match against Tsonga later on Friday.
Djokovic had won 10 of his previous 11 encounters with Berdych, a dominant run which included victories over the Czech in the Tour Finals for the last two years.
The Serb, who won the Tour Finals in 2008 in Shanghai, was quick to take command again, breaking for a 2-1 lead when Berdych netted on the fourth break-point of the game.
Berdych had a chance to get back in the match when he earned his first break point on the Djokovic serve in the next game, but the Serb snuffed out that glimmer of hope before pressing home his advantage.
Djokovic showed ample class and prowess in the final set as Berdych threatened to shake off his mastery.
Federer Vows To Probe Money Snub
Roger Federer has vowed to investigate the ATP’s controversial decision to reject an offer to increase prize money at the Indian Wells tournament.
The issue of prize money has been a hot topic for the last 12 months as stars like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic push for the four Grand Slams to raise the financial rewards on offer.
As president of the ATP players’ council, Federer has been keen to ensure any increase in prize money is spread equally among the lower-ranked players as well as the leading names.
The decision was reportedly taken because the tournament wanted to give more to those losing in the earlier rounds in contravention of ATP rules, but many players are said to be furious about the move and Federer plans to ask questions in a bid to resolve the problem.
‘For me, I was a bit surprised to hear that,’ Federer said after his win over David Ferrer at the ATP Tour Finals in London on Thursday.
‘Obviously, I wasn’t in the room when everything went down because it’s at the board level, at the CEO level.
‘What I can tell you is I will investigate and make sure that the decision they’ve taken is, indeed, the right one,’ said the Swiss international on Friday.
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