World No.1 Novak Djokovic has edged closer to securing a place in the last four at the ATP Finals in London after defeating a lackluster Alexander Zverev 6-4, 6-1, on Wednesday.
Djokovic, who also defeated John Isner earlier in the week at the tournament, masterfully broke down the game of his opponent. Producing a more steady winner-error ratio of 8-12 compared to Zverev’s 20 and 33. The Serbian also won 73% of his first service points and converted both of his break point opportunities during the match.
“I didn’t think it was breathtaking tennis from both of us, but a win is a win,” Djokovic said afterward. “I thought I started to play well from midway through the second set. I started to swing through the ball.
“I didn’t serve that great, he (Zverev) produced a lot of unforced errors that allowed me to win probably a lot more easier than expected.”
The clash was the second meeting between the two tennis titans this season after the Shanghai Masters. On that occasion, Djokovic dropped only three games. This time around, he faced tougher resistance from Zverev early on. At first, it was the German 21-year-old that was on the verge of snatching the first break of the match at 4-4 but failed to convert due to some questionable shot selections. Including a lob that landed out.
In contrast, Djokovic seized his opportunity two games later during what was a lackluster service game from his opponent. Leading 5-4 and piling the pressure onto Zverev, the world No.5 crumbled at the worst possible time. Hitting a backhand error followed by a double fault to give Djokovic the opening set.
“He served really well in the first set. I actually found it more difficult than I did against Isner.“ Reflected Djokovic.
A case of deja vu erupted in the second set with the 14-time grand slam champion once against capitalizing on the erratic play of his opponent. Zverev’s level of play wasn’t poor, but it was by no means at a level of consistency that would trouble somebody of Djokovic’s caliber. Resulting in the Serbian producing a clinical display with a 13-point winning streak at one stage on route to his 12th consecutive win over a top 10 player.
The victory has pushed Djokovic closer to booking his place in the semi-finals of the tournament for the eighth time in his career. He can qualify for the last four on Wednesday depending on the outcome of the match between Isner and Marin Cilic. To qualify he needs one of the following scenarios to occur:-
-Isner defeats Cilic
-Cilic beats Isner in three sets.
Djokovic has now won 51 matches on the tour this season. Four behind the 2018 record currently held by Zverev.
