Novak Djokovic secures ATP Final spot after beating Kevin Anderson as he chases sixth end-of-season title
The Serb underlined his status as the World No.1 with a ruthless victory over Kevin Anderson to secure a showdown with young German Alexander Zverev on Sunday
Novak Djokovic remains on course for a record-equalling six ATP Finals title as he attempts to cap one of the most incredible years in professional sport.
The Serb crashed down to No.22 in the world rankings back in May following a combination of injury woes and a sudden loss of form and confidence.
Yet within the space of just six months, the 31-year-old has won two majors - Wimbledon and then the US Open - and returned to the World No.1 rankings with aplomb.
Tonight he booked his spot against German Alexander Zverev in Sunday's prestigious Nitto ATP Final following a comfortable 6-2 6-2 victory over Kevin Anderson at the O2 Arena.
The giant Kevin Anderson might be one of the most formidable servers on the circuit.
But then Djokovic is arguably the best returner of his generation, if not the best of all time, and clinched the first set with two breaks of serve inside the space of just 39 minutes, shredding Anderson's one true weapon down to size.
In the final of Wimbledon this summer, Djokovic wiped the floor with Anderson, wining the first two sets 6-2.
It was a similar story in the second set here as the 14-time grand slam winner closed out the 75-minute victory without hardly breaking sweat.
Incredibly Djokovic enjoyed a total of six aces -- two more than Anderson -- over the two sets.
If Djokovic wins on Sunday, it will be his sixth title – a record currently held by Roger Federer – and he will receive a cool £400,000 for being unbeaten all week.
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Djokovic said: “This was the best match I have played so far this week. It came at the right time. Kevin was playing good tennis this week.
“He came out and lost his first serve in the first game, which makes a difference.
“He relies a lot on his first serve, and that wasn't working as well.
“I tried to use my serve accurately and it worked well.
“I am very pleased I am able to play at a high level consistently, week after week for the last five months.
“A lot of players are tired over the past 5-6 weeks. This tournament is one of the most important for all of us.
“We try to find what is left in us and get it out on the court. I will fight until the last point. It's the last match of the season for both Alex and I. Let the better player win.”