World No.1 Novak Djokovic is a win away for equalling Roger Federer’s record of six titles won at the ATP Finals after defeating a below-par Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2, at The O2 Arena in London.
Djokovic, who entered the match winning all of his 28 service games this week, proved too strong against a tentative and lackluster Anderson. The world No.6 was not the same player who played the Serbian in the Wimbledon final earlier this year as he struggled to find consistency throughout. Resulting in the very much in-form Djokovic controlling the proceedings. Storming into the final with the help of 11 winners to 13 unforced errors.
“I think it was the best match that I have played so far this week. It came at the right time.” Said Djokovic.
“Kevin was playing some really good tennis earlier this week. Obviously, his first serve percentage was low and wasn’t working quite as well.’
“I thought the crucial stat was to try to win as many points off his second serve as possible. I tried to apply pressure on his service game and use my serve accurately. It worked really well.”
Heading into the semi-final showdown in London, Djokovic was the overwhelming favorite. Besides losing only two out of 36 matches since the start of Wimbledon, the world No.1 boasted a 7-1 head-to-head record against Anderson. Last losing to him in their maiden meeting at the 2008 Miami Open.
Extending that record, Djokovic got off to perfect start during what was a seven-minute opening game. Reading the Anderson serve like a book, the top seed broke immediately with the help of back-to-back forehand errors from his opponent. Continuing to gain in momentum, Djokovic proved too strong against his erratic rival. Securing the double break with the help of more mistakes from his across the court before clinching the first set after 40 minutes of play.
Unlike their previous encounters that have seen some mammoth exchanges between the two, Djokovic dictated proceedings throughout against the growing frustrated South African. To make Anderson’s mood worst, he was slammed with a warning for a verbal obscenity after being broken at the start of the second set. Although he protested that he said no such thing.
” I hold myself pretty highly accountable out there. What I said — I think it was a misunderstanding.” Said Anderson. “If I did swear, it was definitely under my breath. I didn’t mean for it to be heard by anybody. Obviously, that wasn’t great. I was Obviously frustrated out there. It’s definitely not an excuse.”
Cruising towards his 53rd win of 2018, Djokovic only needed one match point to seal the deal. Racing to a 6-2, 5-2 (40-0) lead, he claimed the victory with the help of a volley that tapped the top of the net before landing in.
“I’m very pleased that I am able to play at a high level consistently,” Djokovic commented about his current form.
“A lot of players are tired coming into the last couple of weeks of the year. This tournament has always been one of the most important for us. We always try to find whatever is left in us and get it out on the court.’
“I’m really glad to reach another final.”
In Sunday’s final Djokovic will take on Germany’s Alexander Zverev. The world No.5 knocked out Roger Federer in straight sets earlier in the day. Djokovic has already defeated Zverev twice this year, including on Wednesday at the tournament, but did lose to him at the 2017 Italian Open.
“Novak right now is the best player in the world. It’s very tough to beat him.” Said Zverev. “He’s barely lost a match in the last six months. He’s playing amazing tennis. You have to play your best game to even have a chance. I hope I’ll be able to do that tomorrow.”
Djokovic heads into the final yet to be broken in the entire tournament. He is the first player to reach the final without dropping a set since 2010.
It is the 18th time in the history of the tournament that two players they have played against each other in both the round-robin and final. Out of those 18, nine times the loser in the round-robin has gone on to win in the final.
