DANIIL Medvedev has booked a semi-finals spot at the ATP Finals competition after winning his second straight match of the tournament, defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets. The victory meant he had defeated his two rivals for the final four spot in Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, whilst Zverev knocked off Diego Schwartzman in three sets.

The results meant that Medvedev is officially through to the semi-finals regardless of the result against Schwartzman in two days time, while Djokovic and Zverev – who both defeated the diminutive Argentinian – face-off for the other semi-final spot. Medvedev will play the winner of tomorrow’s clash between Rafael Nadal and Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semi-final, whilst the winner of Djokovic and Zverev will take on Dominic Thiem in the other semi-final.

Daniil Medvedev (RUS) defeated Novak Djokovic (SRB) 6-3 6-3

It had been a rocky last 12 months for the Russian up-and-comer who was disappointing here in London, 2019, but that has changed in 2020 with back-to-back wins over his closest group rivals. Defeating Zverev two days ago, Medvedev backed up his effort with a straight sets, 6-3 6-3 win over top seed Djokovic to secure his spot in the ATP Finals semi-finals. It is a long way from his winless effort on debut in London last year, losing all his matches.

Coming off a win at the Paris Masters, Medvedev is firing on all cylinders at the moment and he was far too consistent for Djokovic who has lost two of his past three matches. Serving 10 aces and winning 79 per cent of his first serve points off a 68 per cent clip, Medvedev was on the front foot against his highly fancied rival, breaking five times from eight opportunities, while saving the only break point he faced. The match only lasted 81 minutes in a rather meek performance from the world number one, who in fairness had already secured the end of year top spot, and has traditionally not performed well here in the past four ATP Finals.

“I like to play Novak because he is one of the greatest champions in the history of our sport,” Medvedev said post-match. “When I was eight years old, I was already watching him on TV winning Grand Slams. “He was still young. “It is always a dream come true to play against him. “Of course, [I am] really happy to beat him. “I was serving good and playing safe enough in the most important moments. “That is why I got the win.”

Alexander Zverev (GER) defeated Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 6-3 4-6 6-3

The fifth seed German gave himself a chance at redemption after his loss to Medvedev on Monday, by defeating Schwartzman in a tough three-set contest. Coming off back-to-back titles at Cologne and then a final in Paris, Zverev is in ripping form of late, though his opponent has had his best season on record. The match itself lasted two hours and 12 minutes, with the German getting there on the back of consistent serving.

Known to have some lapses, Zverev remained steady at a 73 per cent first serve efficiency, of which he claimed an identical first serve winning percentage. His second serve also remained at 45 per cent which is solid for the German, whilst Schwartzman was more inconsistent than usual, with 61 per cent of his first serve points, off 63 per cent efficiency. The German broke five times to three in their encounter, though both players had their chances. The way the matches in the Tokyo 1970 group have played out, the winner of Zverev and Djokovic on Friday will determine the other semi-finalist.

“It was much better than on Monday,” Zverev said post-match. “Diego is a very difficult player. “He deserves to be here… There are no easy matches, but I am happy to get the win. “I am happy to give myself a chance to go to the semi-finals and I am excited for Friday.”

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