Novak Djokovic Outlasts Alexander Zverev to Qualify for the Semifinals of ATP Finals 2020

Novak Djokovic stormed through to the semifinals of ATP Finals 2020 after a straight-sets victory over Alexander Zverev. He will next play Dominic Thiem in the semifinals.

Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev: First Set

Djokovic started in blistering form whereas Zverev was shaky. Out of the first ten points, Djokovic won nine and had taken a 3-0 lead in ten minutes. But after the first three games, Zverev came to life with some great winners and aces.

At 4-2, Zverev had two break points which Djokovic saved and increased his lead to 5-2. Although a near-perfect set, Djokovic had trouble with his backhand. Yet he won the set 6-3.

Looking at the stat, there was nothing to separate Djokovic and Zverev. They had the same amount of winners and unforced errors. Naturally, Zverev was livid with himself for having started poorly and gifting Djokovic the initial 3-0 lead.

Djokovic vs Zverev: Second Set

There wasn’t much to split them in the second set. Both had a good grip over their service games. But Djokovic looked a bit jaded and tired, trailing at 2-1. Djokovic then endured a tough service hold. Zverev came to all guns blazing, but Djokovic just held on. Zverev showed signs of desperation as he complained to his box.

At 2-2, Zverev slumped and gave a chance to Djokovic to break. But the German saved the two breakpoints and gave a loud roar upon winning the service game. At the time, Zverev had hit eleven winners versus a single one from Djokovic. The Serbian just hung on as the set was tied till 4-4.

Zverev was racing away with his service games and firing in winners from his forehand as well as backhand. Djokovic used his experience to navigate through this tough period. He used his service well and didn’t let Zverev take the break. The set went into the tie-breaker.

In the tiebreaker, Djokovic showed his class, delivering under pressure. The whole second set was lackluster from him, but he carved out the second set tiebreaker from Zverev’s hands. He won the tiebreaker, 6-4, winning the match – 6-3, 7-6.