Novak Djokovic began his US&nbsp;Open title defence in style with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 win over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in the first-round action on Monday.

The top-seeded Serbian, who has claimed four of the last five Grand Slam titles, took some time to settle in to his first career meeting with Carballes Baena but after a tight first set was off to the races.

"Obviously getting out of the block it takes a little bit of time to feel comfortable on the court," Djokovic, who beat Juan Martin del Potro in last year's final, said in his on-court interview.

"But we're moving on. Obviously it's not the first time to be in the second round so I know what I need to do."

Djokovic got an early break to go-ahead 2-0 in the second set and never looked back as the three-times champion used a mix of deft volleys, solid movement and great instincts to remain undefeated in 14 career first-round matches in New York.

Carballes Baena looked up for the task early on as he fought off a trio of breakpoints to hold for 1-1 in a game that lasted nearly 10 minutes.

The Spanish world number 76 kept up the fight and was serving at 4-5 in the opening set but Djokovic sent a backhand volley to an empty court to set up a pair of breakpoints and converted on his first chance.

Djokovic was never tested the rest of the way and did not face a breakpoint in the entire match.

"It's great to be back," Djokovic said. "I’m grateful that at this stage of my life and career I am still competing at a Grand Slam at a high level.

"We sometimes have to remind ourselves of these blessings."

Up next for Djokovic will be either American Sam Querrey or Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero.

Novak Djokovic began his US Open title defence in style with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 win over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in the first-round action on Monday. The top-seeded Serbian, who has claimed four of the last five Grand Slam titles, took some time to settle in to his first career meeting with Carballes Baena but after a tight first set was off to the races.

Novak Djokovic began his US Open title defence in style with a 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 win over Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena in the first-round action on Monday. The top-seeded Serbian, who has claimed four of the last five Grand Slam titles, took some time to settle in to his first career meeting with Carballes Baena but after a tight first set was off to the races. "Obviously getting out of the block it takes a little bit of time to feel comfortable on the court," Djokovic, who beat Juan Martin del Potro in last year's final, said in his on-court interview. "But we're moving on. Obviously it's not the first time to be in the second round so I know what I need to do." Djokovic got an early break to go-ahead 2-0 in the second set and never looked back as the three-times champion used a mix of deft volleys, solid movement and great instincts to remain undefeated in 14 career first-round matches in New York. Carballes Baena looked up for the task early on as he fought off a trio of breakpoints to hold for 1-1 in a game that lasted nearly 10 minutes. The Spanish world number 76 kept up the fight and was serving at 4-5 in the opening set but Djokovic sent a backhand volley to an empty court to set up a pair of breakpoints and converted on his first chance. Djokovic was never tested the rest of the way and did not face a breakpoint in the entire match. "It's great to be back," Djokovic said. "I’m grateful that at this stage of my life and career I am still competing at a Grand Slam at a high level. "We sometimes have to remind ourselves of these blessings." Up next for Djokovic will be either American Sam Querrey or Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero.

Holder Novak Djokovic safely into US Open second round

It was a match in name only and the setting was a world away from the US&nbsp;Open that started on Monday but Andy Murray cared not a jot as he notched his first singles win since returning from career-saving hip surgery.

The 32-year-old former world number one crushed teenage French novice Imran Sibille 6-0, 6-1 to move into the second round of the Rafa Nadal Open Challenger tournament, barely perspiring on a sultry Mallorcan evening.

Murray, who had hip resurfacing surgery in January, opted against competing at Flushing Meadows, dropping down to the ATP's second-tier circuit for the first time since 2005 to continue his comeback. Big Apple it was not, but he was not slumming it.

The Rafa Nadal Academy on the edge of 18-time Grand Slam champion Nadal's home town of Manacor is a plush state-of-the-art facility backed by olive-green hills.

Word of Murray's late decision to accept an entry had spectators, many of them breaking off from the beach, packed in around the showcourt to watch the three-time Grand Slam champion's 42-minute hardcourt exhibition.

Sibille, who trains at the academy, has no ATP ranking and has earned $150 from tennis. He may look back on his clash with Murray as the highlight of his career.

For Murray it was a taste of the winning feeling, something he has not experienced in singles since January in Brisbane, shortly before a tearful first-round exit at the Australian Open when it appeared a flaking hip would end his career.

Far bigger tests of that metal-coated joint await, including on Tuesday when he faces third seed Norbert Gombos of Slovakia, the world number 115, but Murray is back.

Healing Muscles

"I need to get a bit quicker, and get a little bit more match fit before I'm back competing at that level again," Murray told reporters. "That's why I decided to drop down a level and try to get some more matches in.

"It's still only seven months since my surgery and I was told that nine to 12 months after you will still be seeing improvements, muscles will still be healing and recovering so hoping by the end of this year I will be feeling better."

Murray played in second gear throughout and even resisted the temptation to claim a "double bagel" when he casually netted a forehand in the 12th game to hand Sibille a game -- cue the biggest cheer of the evening.

While he was never stretched, Murray moved well, although he says improvements are required, especially when forced to change direction quickly.

The physical battle is not the only challenge, however. Regaining his old aura will be equally challenging.

Murray, who has 45 career titles to his name, 663 Tour match wins and more than $61 million in prize money, lost first round matches to Richard Gasquet and Tennys Sangdren in Cincinnati and Winston-Salem this month -- his first ATP singles matches in a comeback most notable so far for winning the doubles title at Queen's Club with Spain's Feliciano Lopez.

While 17-year-old Sibille admitted to not sleeping a wink after finding out he was playing Murray at 6pm the previous night, more grizzled opponents will not be intimidated.

"I do feel that it's something that can come back quickly," Murray, now ranked 328, said.

"Maybe the first few matches it's a good opportunity for guys to play me because I'm not playing as well or moving as well as I was a few years ago.

"But I'm hoping that all it will take is one big tournament to get that confidence and that aura back and hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later."

It was a match in name only and the setting was a world away from the US Open that started on Monday but Andy Murray cared not a jot as he notched his first singles win since returning from career-saving hip surgery.

It was a match in name only and the setting was a world away from the US Open that started on Monday but Andy Murray cared not a jot as he notched his first singles win since returning from career-saving hip surgery. The 32-year-old former world number one crushed teenage French novice Imran Sibille 6-0, 6-1 to move into the second round of the Rafa Nadal Open Challenger tournament, barely perspiring on a sultry Mallorcan evening. Murray, who had hip resurfacing surgery in January, opted against competing at Flushing Meadows, dropping down to the ATP's second-tier circuit for the first time since 2005 to continue his comeback. Big Apple it was not, but he was not slumming it. The Rafa Nadal Academy on the edge of 18-time Grand Slam champion Nadal's home town of Manacor is a plush state-of-the-art facility backed by olive-green hills. Word of Murray's late decision to accept an entry had spectators, many of them breaking off from the beach, packed in around the showcourt to watch the three-time Grand Slam champion's 42-minute hardcourt exhibition. Sibille, who trains at the academy, has no ATP ranking and has earned $150 from tennis. He may look back on his clash with Murray as the highlight of his career. For Murray it was a taste of the winning feeling, something he has not experienced in singles since January in Brisbane, shortly before a tearful first-round exit at the Australian Open when it appeared a flaking hip would end his career. Far bigger tests of that metal-coated joint await, including on Tuesday when he faces third seed Norbert Gombos of Slovakia, the world number 115, but Murray is back. Healing Muscles "I need to get a bit quicker, and get a little bit more match fit before I'm back competing at that level again," Murray told reporters. "That's why I decided to drop down a level and try to get some more matches in. "It's still only seven months since my surgery and I was told that nine to 12 months after you will still be seeing improvements, muscles will still be healing and recovering so hoping by the end of this year I will be feeling better." Murray played in second gear throughout and even resisted the temptation to claim a "double bagel" when he casually netted a forehand in the 12th game to hand Sibille a game -- cue the biggest cheer of the evening. While he was never stretched, Murray moved well, although he says improvements are required, especially when forced to change direction quickly. The physical battle is not the only challenge, however. Regaining his old aura will be equally challenging. Murray, who has 45 career titles to his name, 663 Tour match wins and more than $61 million in prize money, lost first round matches to Richard Gasquet and Tennys Sangdren in Cincinnati and Winston-Salem this month -- his first ATP singles matches in a comeback most notable so far for winning the doubles title at Queen's Club with Spain's Feliciano Lopez. While 17-year-old Sibille admitted to not sleeping a wink after finding out he was playing Murray at 6pm the previous night, more grizzled opponents will not be intimidated. "I do feel that it's something that can come back quickly," Murray, now ranked 328, said. "Maybe the first few matches it's a good opportunity for guys to play me because I'm not playing as well or moving as well as I was a few years ago. "But I'm hoping that all it will take is one big tournament to get that confidence and that aura back and hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later."

Andy Murray enjoys first singles win since hip surgery

Sumit Nagal exits US Open with head held high after losing to Roger Federer

Serena Williams&nbsp;is trying hard to move past last year's US Open final meltdown, preferring to forget the umpire she called a "liar" and "thief"&nbsp;and fans booing a controversial ending.

Williams humbled <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2019-serena-williams-wins-first-round-against-maria-sharapova-245883">Russia's Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1</a> on Monday to reach the second round of the US Open as she seeks a historic seventh New York title and 24th Grand Slam singles crown.

Asked if she felt the tournament was hers to win, the eighth seed replied, "I feel like I'm here to do that. We'll see what happens."

Her domination of Sharapova produced a 19th consecutive triumph over the five-time Slam winner, boosting her record in the rivalry to 20-2.

It was the first match for Williams at Ashe since she unleashed her wrath at umpire Carlos Ramos in last year's US Open final and he awarded a game penalty to eventual winner Naomi Osaka of Japan, this year's top seed and the reigning Australian Open champion as well.

The US Tennis Association decided before the start that Ramos will not officiate any Serena or Venus Williams match at this year's US Open.

When she was asked about Ramos, whose penalty calls had a major impact in her loss to Osaka, she replied, "I don't know who that is."

It's doubtful she will want to jog her memory by looking at video of last year's final, which ended with Williams in tears and Osaka's moment of glory left "bittersweet" as fans voiced displeasure at the controversial awarding of a game that put Osaka one game from the title.

Williams, when asked about how much last year's final entered her mind in her return to Ashe, spoke only about the crowd that was loud and vocal in supporting her over Sharapova.

"It was great. The fans, they were so amazing," Williams said. "I could hear them walking down the hallway. It was such a good feeling. It made me feel unbelievable, really helped me get amped up and pumped up."

She thanked the fans on the court after the match with a nod to past defeats, saying, "I've had a lot of tough matches and a lot of tough losses but coming out here tonight makes it all worthwhile."

A celebrity-filled crowd watched her dismantle Sharapova.

"Her game really matches up well against mine," Williams said. "Her ball somehow lands in my strike zone. It's just perfect for me.

"I was able to zone in, especially down breakpoints, not letting her in the match. She's the kind of player that keeps going. Even towards the end, she just wants to keep fighting."

And as if US wildcard Caty McNally, her next foe, or any other rival needed any more concern, Williams warned she has some new, unrevealed aspects to her game to bring out should the need arise.

"I've been working on a lot of new things," she said. "I don't really talk about what I've been working on so much. I definitely have been working on a lot of new stuff to incorporate in my game."

Serena Williams is trying hard to move past last year's US Open final meltdown, preferring to forget the umpire she called a "liar" and "thief" and fans booing a controversial ending.

Serena Williams is trying hard to move past last year's US Open final meltdown, preferring to forget the umpire she called a "liar" and "thief" and fans booing a controversial ending. Williams humbled Russia's Maria Sharapova 6-1, 6-1 on Monday to reach the second round of the US Open as she seeks a historic seventh New York title and 24th Grand Slam singles crown. Asked if she felt the tournament was hers to win, the eighth seed replied, "I feel like I'm here to do that. We'll see what happens." Her domination of Sharapova produced a 19th consecutive triumph over the five-time Slam winner, boosting her record in the rivalry to 20-2. It was the first match for Williams at Ashe since she unleashed her wrath at umpire Carlos Ramos in last year's US Open final and he awarded a game penalty to eventual winner Naomi Osaka of Japan, this year's top seed and the reigning Australian Open champion as well. The US Tennis Association decided before the start that Ramos will not officiate any Serena or Venus Williams match at this year's US Open. When she was asked about Ramos, whose penalty calls had a major impact in her loss to Osaka, she replied, "I don't know who that is." It's doubtful she will want to jog her memory by looking at video of last year's final, which ended with Williams in tears and Osaka's moment of glory left "bittersweet" as fans voiced displeasure at the controversial awarding of a game that put Osaka one game from the title. Williams, when asked about how much last year's final entered her mind in her return to Ashe, spoke only about the crowd that was loud and vocal in supporting her over Sharapova. "It was great. The fans, they were so amazing," Williams said. "I could hear them walking down the hallway. It was such a good feeling. It made me feel unbelievable, really helped me get amped up and pumped up." She thanked the fans on the court after the match with a nod to past defeats, saying, "I've had a lot of tough matches and a lot of tough losses but coming out here tonight makes it all worthwhile." A celebrity-filled crowd watched her dismantle Sharapova. "Her game really matches up well against mine," Williams said. "Her ball somehow lands in my strike zone. It's just perfect for me. "I was able to zone in, especially down breakpoints, not letting her in the match. She's the kind of player that keeps going. Even towards the end, she just wants to keep fighting." And as if US wildcard Caty McNally, her next foe, or any other rival needed any more concern, Williams warned she has some new, unrevealed aspects to her game to bring out should the need arise. "I've been working on a lot of new things," she said. "I don't really talk about what I've been working on so much. I definitely have been working on a lot of new stuff to incorporate in my game."

Serena Williams on banned umpire Ramos: 'I don't know who that is'

Indian tennis player <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sumit-nagal-becomes-first-indian-to-win-a-set-against-roger-federer-245956">Sumit Nagal</a> might have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2019-roger-federer-defeats-indias-sumit-nagal-in-first-round-245897">lost the first-round match</a> of the US Open against Roger Federer, but his win in the first set is earning him accolades from all over with even the Swiss tennis maestro saying Nagal is going to have a solid career.

"I think he knows what he can bring. That's why I think he is going to have a very solid career. But, of course, it is not the game that comes out with the biggest surprises. It is really consistent. I think he did it very well tonight," US Open's official website quoted Federer as saying on Monday (local time).

"I think his game is based on being really consistent. He moves well, moves the ball around well. Sort of very much a clay-courter. That`s also the surface he's played basically the entire year almost," he said.

Federer defeated 22-year-old Nagal 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round match.

"It is never easy to come out and play your best. Even though it's kind of what you live for, you dream about, playing on the big stage. So I think he did that very well," Federer said.

Nagal became the first Indian to defeat Federer in a set of a Grand Slam.

He became the fourth player to take the opening set against Federer at the US Open. Peter Wessels (Netherlands), Jose Acasuso (Argentina) and Frances Tiafoe (America) are the other players who have won their first set against the Swiss tennis star.

The first set was a closely fought affair as both Federer and Nagal went back and forth and at one stage the set was tied at 4-4. It was then that Nagal won games continuously and went on to grab the first set 6-4.

In the second set, Federer came out all guns blazing to take the second set 6-1.

The 38-year-old Federer was in no mood to slow down and he carried the momentum in the third set and wrapped it up 6-2.

Nagal, who currently holds the 190th position in the ATP rankings, was able to show grit in the fourth set as the scoreline was levelled at 2-2 at one stage, but Federer bounced back by playing an aggressive style of tennis, forcing Nagal to hang back on the court. In the end, the Swiss won the fourth set 6-4.

The Indian player had qualified for the US Open main draw on Friday.

He became the youngest Indian in 25 years to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam after defeating Brazil`s Jaao Menezes 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Nagal had earlier bagged the Wimbledon Boys` doubles title in 2015.

Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal might have lost the first-round match of the US Open against Roger Federer, but his win in the first set is earning him accolades from all over with even the Swiss tennis maestro saying Nagal is going to have a solid career.

Indian tennis player Sumit Nagal might have lost the first-round match of the US Open against Roger Federer, but his win in the first set is earning him accolades from all over with even the Swiss tennis maestro saying Nagal is going to have a solid career. "I think he knows what he can bring. That's why I think he is going to have a very solid career. But, of course, it is not the game that comes out with the biggest surprises. It is really consistent. I think he did it very well tonight," US Open's official website quoted Federer as saying on Monday (local time). "I think his game is based on being really consistent. He moves well, moves the ball around well. Sort of very much a clay-courter. That`s also the surface he's played basically the entire year almost," he said. Federer defeated 22-year-old Nagal 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 in the first round match. "It is never easy to come out and play your best. Even though it's kind of what you live for, you dream about, playing on the big stage. So I think he did that very well," Federer said. Nagal became the first Indian to defeat Federer in a set of a Grand Slam. He became the fourth player to take the opening set against Federer at the US Open. Peter Wessels (Netherlands), Jose Acasuso (Argentina) and Frances Tiafoe (America) are the other players who have won their first set against the Swiss tennis star. The first set was a closely fought affair as both Federer and Nagal went back and forth and at one stage the set was tied at 4-4. It was then that Nagal won games continuously and went on to grab the first set 6-4. In the second set, Federer came out all guns blazing to take the second set 6-1. The 38-year-old Federer was in no mood to slow down and he carried the momentum in the third set and wrapped it up 6-2. Nagal, who currently holds the 190th position in the ATP rankings, was able to show grit in the fourth set as the scoreline was levelled at 2-2 at one stage, but Federer bounced back by playing an aggressive style of tennis, forcing Nagal to hang back on the court. In the end, the Swiss won the fourth set 6-4. The Indian player had qualified for the US Open main draw on Friday. He became the youngest Indian in 25 years to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam after defeating Brazil`s Jaao Menezes 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Nagal had earlier bagged the Wimbledon Boys` doubles title in 2015.

Sumit Nagal is going to have a solid career, says Roger Federer

Sumit Nagal has become the first Indian tennis player to with a set against legend Roger Federer during their first-round&nbsp;match at the this year's US Open on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In the first round,&nbsp;Nagal gave a tough fight to the former world number one. At one stage the set was tied at 4-4 but the 22-year-old&nbsp;Nagal won games continuously, won the first set 6-4.&nbsp;

Federer, however, survived the scare winning the match 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4.&nbsp;

Nagal is also the fourth player to take the opening set against Federer at the US Open.

Peter Wessels (Netherlands), Jose Acasuso (Argentina) and Frances Tiafoe (America) are the other three people who have previously won the first set against the Swiss tennis maestro.

Nagal, who is currently ranked at the 190th position in the ATP rankings, had qualified for the US Open main draw on Friday.

Nagal had become the youngest Indian in 25 years to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam as he had defeated Brazil`s Jaao Menezes 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. He had earlier won the Wimbledon Boys` doubles title in 2015.

Sumit Nagal has become the first Indian tennis player to with a set against legend Roger Federer during their first-round match at the this year's US Open on Tuesday.

Sumit Nagal has become the first Indian tennis player to with a set against legend Roger Federer during their first-round match at the this year's US Open on Tuesday. In the first round, Nagal gave a tough fight to the former world number one. At one stage the set was tied at 4-4 but the 22-year-old Nagal won games continuously, won the first set 6-4. Federer, however, survived the scare winning the match 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-4. Nagal is also the fourth player to take the opening set against Federer at the US Open. Peter Wessels (Netherlands), Jose Acasuso (Argentina) and Frances Tiafoe (America) are the other three people who have previously won the first set against the Swiss tennis maestro. Nagal, who is currently ranked at the 190th position in the ATP rankings, had qualified for the US Open main draw on Friday. Nagal had become the youngest Indian in 25 years to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam as he had defeated Brazil`s Jaao Menezes 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. He had earlier won the Wimbledon Boys` doubles title in 2015.

Sumit Nagal becomes first Indian to win a set against Roger Federer

Lee Duck-hee became the first deaf player to win an ATP Tour main draw match on Monday when the South Korean defeated Henri Laaksonen 7-6(4) 6-1 in the first round of the Winston-Salem Open.

The 21-year-old fired nine aces on the way to claiming the win after a lengthy rain delay on the hardcourts in North Carolina.

Diagnosed as deaf at the age of two, Lee cannot hear calls from the line judges or the umpire and relies on signals and gestures for the information.

"People made fun of me for my disability. They told me I shouldn't be playing," Lee said after the match.

"It was definitely difficult, but my friends and family helped me get through. I wanted to show everyone that I could do this.

"My message for people who are hearing impaired is to not be discouraged. If you try hard, you can do anything."

Next up for Lee is a second-round meeting with third seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland on Tuesday.

Former world number one Andy Murray, continuing his comeback from hip surgery, fell 7-6(8) 7-5 to Tennys Sandgren in a first round match that was delayed by rain for several hours.

Murray battled hard to save three set points in the tiebreak before Sandgren converted the fourth to end the 74-minute first set when the Briton's volley found the net.

Murray was broken in the opening game of the second set and fell 3-0 behind before breaking back to leave the set poised at 5-5.

But the 28-year-old American broke back and then served out the match to set up a second round clash with Canadian second seed Denis Shapovalov.

Lee Duck-hee became the first deaf player to win an ATP Tour main draw match on Monday when the South Korean defeated Henri Laaksonen 7-6(4) 6-1 in the first round of the Winston-Salem Open.

Lee Duck-hee became the first deaf player to win an ATP Tour main draw match on Monday when the South Korean defeated Henri Laaksonen 7-6(4) 6-1 in the first round of the Winston-Salem Open. The 21-year-old fired nine aces on the way to claiming the win after a lengthy rain delay on the hardcourts in North Carolina. Diagnosed as deaf at the age of two, Lee cannot hear calls from the line judges or the umpire and relies on signals and gestures for the information. "People made fun of me for my disability. They told me I shouldn't be playing," Lee said after the match. "It was definitely difficult, but my friends and family helped me get through. I wanted to show everyone that I could do this. "My message for people who are hearing impaired is to not be discouraged. If you try hard, you can do anything." Next up for Lee is a second-round meeting with third seed Hubert Hurkacz of Poland on Tuesday. Former world number one Andy Murray, continuing his comeback from hip surgery, fell 7-6(8) 7-5 to Tennys Sandgren in a first round match that was delayed by rain for several hours. Murray battled hard to save three set points in the tiebreak before Sandgren converted the fourth to end the 74-minute first set when the Briton's volley found the net. Murray was broken in the opening game of the second set and fell 3-0 behind before breaking back to leave the set poised at 5-5. But the 28-year-old American broke back and then served out the match to set up a second round clash with Canadian second seed Denis Shapovalov.

South Korea's Lee Duck-hee becomes first deaf player to win an ATP main draw match

Former world number one Serena Williams will begin her 2020 season with a return to the Auckland Open in January, her first appearance at the tournament since she was ousted in the second round in 2017.

The Auckland Open serves as a warm-up before the year's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, which begins on January&nbsp;20 next year.

On her last Auckland appearance, then top seed Williams hit 88 unforced errors in windy conditions, losing to compatriot Madison Brengle, who was ranked 70 rungs lower.

"Oh man, I want to win that title so bad," Williams was quoted as saying by the tournament organisers.

"Last time I was there I had so much going on and although I fought through to win my first match, I know I didn't play to my level.

"I have such amazing memories that are really special to me from Auckland," she added, referring to her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian days before the 2017 tournament.

"I would really like to add some on court memories to that list."

Williams, 37, is due to compete at the US&nbsp;Open which begins next week but her preparations for the final Grand Slam of the year have been far from perfect with injuries limiting her time on court.

The 23-times Grand Slam champion retired from the Rogers Cup final in Toronto earlier this month because of back spasms, which led to her withdrawal from the Cincinnati Masters.&nbsp;

Former world number one Serena Williams will begin her 2020 season with a return to the Auckland Open in January, her first appearance at the tournament since she was ousted in the second round in 2017.

Former world number one Serena Williams will begin her 2020 season with a return to the Auckland Open in January, her first appearance at the tournament since she was ousted in the second round in 2017. The Auckland Open serves as a warm-up before the year's first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, which begins on January 20 next year. On her last Auckland appearance, then top seed Williams hit 88 unforced errors in windy conditions, losing to compatriot Madison Brengle, who was ranked 70 rungs lower. "Oh man, I want to win that title so bad," Williams was quoted as saying by the tournament organisers. "Last time I was there I had so much going on and although I fought through to win my first match, I know I didn't play to my level. "I have such amazing memories that are really special to me from Auckland," she added, referring to her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian days before the 2017 tournament. "I would really like to add some on court memories to that list." Williams, 37, is due to compete at the US Open which begins next week but her preparations for the final Grand Slam of the year have been far from perfect with injuries limiting her time on court. The 23-times Grand Slam champion retired from the Rogers Cup final in Toronto earlier this month because of back spasms, which led to her withdrawal from the Cincinnati Masters.

Serena Williams to begin 2020 season with return to Auckland

Novak Djokovic wore down Lucas Pouille after an even first set, dispatching the Frenchman 7-6(2) 6-1 in a Cincinnati Masters quarter-final in Ohio on Friday.

The match was much closer than when the pair met in the Australian Open semi-finals in January, when Djokovic conceded only four games before going on to win the title.

It took Djokovic nearly an hour to prevail in the first set but he closed out a one-sided tiebreak with a deft backhand passing shot.

The second was one-way traffic as the world number one played with relentless efficiency against an opponent who ran out of answers.

Perhaps the only concern for Djokovic with the U.S. Open looming in less than two weeks was a sore elbow which required brief treatment by his trainer late in the match.

"I managed to finish the match, had a little bit of tightness in my elbow but hopefully everything will be fine for tomorrow," Djokovic said in an on-court interview.

He will have less than 24 hours to recover for a semi-final against Daniil Medvedev, who continued his recent hot form, ousting Russian compatriot Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-3 in barely an hour.

Medvedev, a career-high eighth in the rankings, faced only one break point.

He has made two finals in the past two weeks, losing to Nick Kyrgios in Washington and Rafa Nadal in Montreal.

In other quarter-final action, Frenchman Richard Gasquet continued his comeback from groin surgery by defeating 11th seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(2) 3-6 6-2.

Gasquet, who defeated Andy Murray in the opening round, set up a semi-final clash on Saturday with Belgian 16th seed David Goffin.

Goffin advanced when his quarter-final opponent, Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, pulled out before their match on Friday due to illness.

Gasquet underwent groin surgery in January and returned to competition in May.

"I didn’t play for six months, so it's great to be back here and reaching the semi-finals aged 33," Gasquet told ESPN in an on-court interview.

"Goffin is a tough guy, one of the fastest from the baseline, so I will be prepared to battle and to fight."

Novak Djokovic wore down Lucas Pouille after an even first set, dispatching the Frenchman 7-6(2) 6-1 in a Cincinnati Masters quarter-final in Ohio on Friday. The match was much closer than when the pair met in the Australian Open semi-finals in January, when Djokovic conceded only four games before going on to win the title.

Novak Djokovic wore down Lucas Pouille after an even first set, dispatching the Frenchman 7-6(2) 6-1 in a Cincinnati Masters quarter-final in Ohio on Friday. The match was much closer than when the pair met in the Australian Open semi-finals in January, when Djokovic conceded only four games before going on to win the title. It took Djokovic nearly an hour to prevail in the first set but he closed out a one-sided tiebreak with a deft backhand passing shot. The second was one-way traffic as the world number one played with relentless efficiency against an opponent who ran out of answers. Perhaps the only concern for Djokovic with the U.S. Open looming in less than two weeks was a sore elbow which required brief treatment by his trainer late in the match. "I managed to finish the match, had a little bit of tightness in my elbow but hopefully everything will be fine for tomorrow," Djokovic said in an on-court interview. He will have less than 24 hours to recover for a semi-final against Daniil Medvedev, who continued his recent hot form, ousting Russian compatriot Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-3 in barely an hour. Medvedev, a career-high eighth in the rankings, faced only one break point. He has made two finals in the past two weeks, losing to Nick Kyrgios in Washington and Rafa Nadal in Montreal. In other quarter-final action, Frenchman Richard Gasquet continued his comeback from groin surgery by defeating 11th seeded Spaniard Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6(2) 3-6 6-2. Gasquet, who defeated Andy Murray in the opening round, set up a semi-final clash on Saturday with Belgian 16th seed David Goffin. Goffin advanced when his quarter-final opponent, Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, pulled out before their match on Friday due to illness. Gasquet underwent groin surgery in January and returned to competition in May. "I didn’t play for six months, so it's great to be back here and reaching the semi-finals aged 33," Gasquet told ESPN in an on-court interview. "Goffin is a tough guy, one of the fastest from the baseline, so I will be prepared to battle and to fight."

Novak Djokovic beats Pouille to reach semi-finals

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $113,000 by the ATP for arguing with the chair umpire and smashing two rackets during his second-round loss at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday.

The fines included five charges of unsportsmanlike conduct totalling $85,000, $20,000 for verbal abuse, $5,000 for audible obscenity and $3,000 for leaving the court.

"In addition to the on-site fines, the ATP is looking further into what happened during and immediately after the match to see if additional action is warranted," the governing body said in a statement.

"That could result in an additional fine and/or suspension."

The fine represents 10 per cent&nbsp;of the Australian's earnings for the year in which he has won two titles -- the Acapulco International in March and this month's Citi Open in Washington.

A suspension could impact his ability to compete at the US&nbsp;Open although it is unclear whether the tournament organisers would honour the suspension if it is handed down.

Kyrgios clashed with umpire Fergus Murphy in the second set of the night match against Russian Karen Khachanov, accusing Murphy of starting the shot clock too early.

He was ultimately issued a point penalty at the end of the second set tiebreak for insulting the Irish umpire and shouted that Murphy was "the worst ref ever."

"Every single time I play he's doing some stupid (expletive)," he bellowed.

The 24-year-old then left the court for what he deemed a bathroom break, despite protests from Murphy, and television pictures showed him smashing two rackets in the tunnel.

Kyrgios left the court without shaking Murphy's hand.

He had clashed with the Irish official two weeks ago at the Washington Open and was also fined by the ATP after being embroiled in an expletive-ridden rant with Murphy at the Queen's Club Wimbledon warm-up tournament in June.

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $113,000 by the ATP for arguing with the chair umpire and smashing two rackets during his second-round loss at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday.

Nick Kyrgios has been fined $113,000 by the ATP for arguing with the chair umpire and smashing two rackets during his second-round loss at the Cincinnati Masters on Wednesday. The fines included five charges of unsportsmanlike conduct totalling $85,000, $20,000 for verbal abuse, $5,000 for audible obscenity and $3,000 for leaving the court. "In addition to the on-site fines, the ATP is looking further into what happened during and immediately after the match to see if additional action is warranted," the governing body said in a statement. "That could result in an additional fine and/or suspension." The fine represents 10 per cent of the Australian's earnings for the year in which he has won two titles -- the Acapulco International in March and this month's Citi Open in Washington. A suspension could impact his ability to compete at the US Open although it is unclear whether the tournament organisers would honour the suspension if it is handed down. Kyrgios clashed with umpire Fergus Murphy in the second set of the night match against Russian Karen Khachanov, accusing Murphy of starting the shot clock too early. He was ultimately issued a point penalty at the end of the second set tiebreak for insulting the Irish umpire and shouted that Murphy was "the worst ref ever." "Every single time I play he's doing some stupid (expletive)," he bellowed. The 24-year-old then left the court for what he deemed a bathroom break, despite protests from Murphy, and television pictures showed him smashing two rackets in the tunnel. Kyrgios left the court without shaking Murphy's hand. He had clashed with the Irish official two weeks ago at the Washington Open and was also fined by the ATP after being embroiled in an expletive-ridden rant with Murphy at the Queen's Club Wimbledon warm-up tournament in June.

Nick Kyrgios fined $113,000 for Cincinnati outburst

Russia's Andrey Rublev said "it is impossible to explain" after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-stunned-by-russian-qualifier-rublev-in-cincinnati-243287">defeating Roger Federer</a> in the third round of the Cincinnati Open on Thursday.&nbsp;

The Russian qualifier beat 20-time Grand slam champion 6-3, 6-4 and hailed the former world number one as a "true legend".&nbsp;

It was Federer's quickest defeat since losing to Franco Squillari in 54 minutes in Sydney in 2003.&nbsp;

"It is impossible to explain. I don't know. I mean, the way even how he (Roger Federer) finished the match, it was so amazing," said Rublev.&nbsp;

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Rublev couldn't put his emotions into words after the match and said, "I told him it was a big honour and he said 'no worries'. The way he did it, it was amazing."&nbsp;

"Now I feel that he is a true legend and that is what my feeling inside is," Rublev said.&nbsp;

Rublev’s win sets up an all-Russian quarter-final with ninth seed Daniil Medvedev.&nbsp;

Russia's Andrey Rublev said "it is impossible to explain" after defeating Roger Federer in the third round of the Cincinnati Open on Thursday. The Russian qualifier beat 20-time Grand slam champion 6-3, 6-4 and hailed the former world number one as a "true legend".

Russia's Andrey Rublev said "it is impossible to explain" after defeating Roger Federer in the third round of the Cincinnati Open on Thursday. The Russian qualifier beat 20-time Grand slam champion 6-3, 6-4 and hailed the former world number one as a "true legend". It was Federer's quickest defeat since losing to Franco Squillari in 54 minutes in Sydney in 2003. "It is impossible to explain. I don't know. I mean, the way even how he (Roger Federer) finished the match, it was so amazing," said Rublev. .@AndreyRublev97 "What a match against a true legend🙏❤️ a big honour for me🙏🙏❤️🎾 @CincyTennis | #ATPTour pic.twitter.com/l7WGBVChvu — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) August 16, 2019 × 🇨🇭 @rogerfederer reacts to his loss against Andrey Rublev at @CincyTennis. 💭 — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) August 15, 2019 × Rublev couldn't put his emotions into words after the match and said, "I told him it was a big honour and he said 'no worries'. The way he did it, it was amazing." "Now I feel that he is a true legend and that is what my feeling inside is," Rublev said. Rublev’s win sets up an all-Russian quarter-final with ninth seed Daniil Medvedev.

'It is impossible to explain, he is a true legend,' says Rublev after defeating Federer

Three-time Grand Slam champion&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-feeling-good-andy-murray-ready-as-hell-ever-be-for-singles-return-242427">Andy&nbsp;Murray</a>&nbsp;said he "did OK" in his first singles match in seven months -- a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Richard Gasquet at the Cincinnati Masters on Monday.

"I don't really know what I was expecting, to be honest," said&nbsp;Murray, sidelined since January by a career-threatening hip injury. "I did OK.

"There were a lot of things I would like to have done better in the match, but you also have to be somewhat realistic&nbsp;in terms of what you can expect, in terms of how you actually play and hit the ball."

Murray&nbsp;said he "felt fine, physically," during the match.

"My legs were a little bit heavy at the end of the match. When Richard drop-shotted me, there were a few times I didn't even run to the ball, didn't react to it.

"That's nothing to do with my hip, that’s just me not running for a ball."

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Murray&nbsp;hadn't played a singles match since a five-set first-round exit at the Australian Open, where he tearfully acknowledged he feared his career was over.

Since undergoing right hip resurfacing surgery on January 28 he has slowly fashioned a return.

Murray&nbsp;has been playing doubles for the past two months, winning at Queen's Club in London with Feliciano Lopez.

Gasquet, however, was too strong for the 32-year-old, who won the title in the US Open warm-up in Cincinnati in 2008 and 2011.

Gasquet, who had groin surgery in January, ended a five-match skid against the Briton, now ranked 324th.

Murray&nbsp;opened the game with a double fault, and his forehand into the net gave Gasquet a match point that the 56th-ranked Frenchman converted when&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;sent a service return wide to end the match after 96 minutes.

Tentative at times, he finished with a respectable 20 winners but struck 28 unforced errors.

No US Open singles

He was optimistic he can improve further.

"I think with a few more weeks of practice and hopefully some more matches, then I could do better," said&nbsp;Murray, who nevertheless said after the match that he did not intend to play singles at the US Open.

"I'm not going to play the US Open singles," he confirmed, adding that US Open organizers had wanted to know by Monday if he was interested in a wild card invitation.

"I felt like I wanted to maybe try and get a couple of matches in before making a decision like that," added&nbsp;Murray, who knows the best-of-five set format at Grand Slams will be even more of a challenge.

The return of former world number one&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;dominated an opening day that saw another former US Open champion, Marin Cilic, join&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;on the sidelines with a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6 loss to Radu Albot.

US wild card Sam Querrey booked a second-round date with top seed Novak Djokovic, defeating France's Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/1).

Seven-time champion Roger Federer will start his campaign in the second round against Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero, who defeated Italy's Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.&nbsp;

Australian Nick Kyrgios slammed a ball skyward in a moment of distracted anger to earn a warning but buckled down to post a 7-5, 6-4 win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego.

In the women's draw at the ATP-WTA event, 2011 winner Maria Sharapova, who last played here five years ago, came back from a pair of first-round defeats at Wimbledon and Toronto, defeating Alison Riske 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).

Venus Williams defeated fellow American Lauren Davis 7-5, 6-2 to snap a four-match losing streak.

Sweden's Rebecca Peterson defeated Britain's Jo Konta, a 2017 quarter-finalist, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said he "did OK" in his first singles match in seven months -- a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Richard Gasquet at the Cincinnati Masters on Monday.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said he "did OK" in his first singles match in seven months -- a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Richard Gasquet at the Cincinnati Masters on Monday. "I don't really know what I was expecting, to be honest," said Murray, sidelined since January by a career-threatening hip injury. "I did OK. "There were a lot of things I would like to have done better in the match, but you also have to be somewhat realistic in terms of what you can expect, in terms of how you actually play and hit the ball." Murray said he "felt fine, physically," during the match. "My legs were a little bit heavy at the end of the match. When Richard drop-shotted me, there were a few times I didn't even run to the ball, didn't react to it. "That's nothing to do with my hip, that’s just me not running for a ball." 🇬🇧 @andy_murray discusses the reasons behind his #USOpen decision. 👇 Read More ▶️ https://t.co/oHvN98CCB9 pic.twitter.com/cpS5MHnEjI — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) August 12, 2019 × Murray hadn't played a singles match since a five-set first-round exit at the Australian Open, where he tearfully acknowledged he feared his career was over. Since undergoing right hip resurfacing surgery on January 28 he has slowly fashioned a return. Murray has been playing doubles for the past two months, winning at Queen's Club in London with Feliciano Lopez. Gasquet, however, was too strong for the 32-year-old, who won the title in the US Open warm-up in Cincinnati in 2008 and 2011. Gasquet, who had groin surgery in January, ended a five-match skid against the Briton, now ranked 324th. Murray opened the game with a double fault, and his forehand into the net gave Gasquet a match point that the 56th-ranked Frenchman converted when Murray sent a service return wide to end the match after 96 minutes. Tentative at times, he finished with a respectable 20 winners but struck 28 unforced errors. No US Open singles He was optimistic he can improve further. "I think with a few more weeks of practice and hopefully some more matches, then I could do better," said Murray, who nevertheless said after the match that he did not intend to play singles at the US Open. "I'm not going to play the US Open singles," he confirmed, adding that US Open organizers had wanted to know by Monday if he was interested in a wild card invitation. "I felt like I wanted to maybe try and get a couple of matches in before making a decision like that," added Murray, who knows the best-of-five set format at Grand Slams will be even more of a challenge. The return of former world number one Murray dominated an opening day that saw another former US Open champion, Marin Cilic, join Murray on the sidelines with a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6 loss to Radu Albot. US wild card Sam Querrey booked a second-round date with top seed Novak Djokovic, defeating France's Pierre-Hugues Herbert 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/1). Seven-time champion Roger Federer will start his campaign in the second round against Argentine Juan Ignacio Londero, who defeated Italy's Matteo Berrettini 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. Australian Nick Kyrgios slammed a ball skyward in a moment of distracted anger to earn a warning but buckled down to post a 7-5, 6-4 win over Italian Lorenzo Sonego. In the women's draw at the ATP-WTA event, 2011 winner Maria Sharapova, who last played here five years ago, came back from a pair of first-round defeats at Wimbledon and Toronto, defeating Alison Riske 6-3, 7-6 (7/4). Venus Williams defeated fellow American Lauren Davis 7-5, 6-2 to snap a four-match losing streak. Sweden's Rebecca Peterson defeated Britain's Jo Konta, a 2017 quarter-finalist, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5.

Andy Murray rates Cincinnati singles comeback 'OK' despite defeat

Top seed Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-0 to win his fifth Rogers Cup on Sunday in Montreal -- the first time he has retained a title outside of clay.

The 33-year-old Spanish world number two dominated the eighth-seeded Medvedev in their first-ever meeting.

The Russian had not dropped a set in the tournament but was no match for Nadal, who saved a breakpoint in his first game and confidently put away Medvedev who is 10 years his junior.

"He was playing very well during the whole week so for me it was important in the beginning that he not take advantage," Nadal said in courtside interview.

"Then I think I played a very solid, best match of the week without a doubt."

Nadal broke the Russian in the fourth game to go 3-1 up and dominated the remainder of the 70-minute match.

Winning 82 per cent&nbsp;of his first-serve points and delivering high and heavy forehands on the windy afternoon that pushed back the at times confused looking Medvedev, the Spaniard broke the Russian three times in the second set before wrapping up the victory, a record 35th at the Masters 1000 level.

But he left open whether he would play in this week's Cincinnati Masters tournament where he is the second seed behind world number one Novak Djokovic.

"I don't know. I will have to speak to my team," he said.

Nadal shrugged aside the importance of the stat that he had successfully defended a title outside clay for the first time.

"It is so important to be back on a hard court and winning another big title," he said.

The Spaniard's previous two victories this season, in the Italian and French Opens, both came on clay.

Medvedev reached the final by defeating compatriot Karen Khachanov 6-1 7-6(6) to become the top-ranked Russian when new rankings come out on Monday.

But he made 22 errors in the championship match.

Nadal advanced to the showpiece contest on a walkover when his semi-final opponent, Frenchman Gael Monfils, withdrew with an ankle injury before their meeting.

Top seed Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-0 to win his fifth Rogers Cup on Sunday in Montreal -- the first time he has retained a title outside of clay.

Top seed Rafael Nadal overwhelmed Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-0 to win his fifth Rogers Cup on Sunday in Montreal -- the first time he has retained a title outside of clay. The 33-year-old Spanish world number two dominated the eighth-seeded Medvedev in their first-ever meeting. The Russian had not dropped a set in the tournament but was no match for Nadal, who saved a breakpoint in his first game and confidently put away Medvedev who is 10 years his junior. "He was playing very well during the whole week so for me it was important in the beginning that he not take advantage," Nadal said in courtside interview. "Then I think I played a very solid, best match of the week without a doubt." Nadal broke the Russian in the fourth game to go 3-1 up and dominated the remainder of the 70-minute match. Winning 82 per cent of his first-serve points and delivering high and heavy forehands on the windy afternoon that pushed back the at times confused looking Medvedev, the Spaniard broke the Russian three times in the second set before wrapping up the victory, a record 35th at the Masters 1000 level. But he left open whether he would play in this week's Cincinnati Masters tournament where he is the second seed behind world number one Novak Djokovic. "I don't know. I will have to speak to my team," he said. Nadal shrugged aside the importance of the stat that he had successfully defended a title outside clay for the first time. "It is so important to be back on a hard court and winning another big title," he said. The Spaniard's previous two victories this season, in the Italian and French Opens, both came on clay. Medvedev reached the final by defeating compatriot Karen Khachanov 6-1 7-6(6) to become the top-ranked Russian when new rankings come out on Monday. But he made 22 errors in the championship match. Nadal advanced to the showpiece contest on a walkover when his semi-final opponent, Frenchman Gael Monfils, withdrew with an ankle injury before their meeting.

Rafael Nadal crushes Medvedev to retain Montreal title

Rafael Nadal's Rogers Cup win in Montreal at the weekend marked a significant step for the Spaniard as he prepares for the US Open but it wasn't enough to topple Novak Djokovic at the top of the ATP rankings, released on Monday.

Nadal, who will be vying for a fourth title at Flushing Meadows, was too strong for Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final, seeing off the Russian 6-3 6-0 to claim his 35th Masters title.

Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem stay third and fourth respectively.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, who entered the top five for the first time last week, drops two places and is leapfrogged by Kei Nishikori and Alexander Zverev.&nbsp;

Medvedev's reward for his appearance in Sunday's final was a one-place climb to eight.&nbsp;

ATP rankings as of August 12

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,325 pts

2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945

3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,460

4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,925

5. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040 (+1)

6. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,005 (+1)

7. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,455 (-2)

8. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 3,230 (+1)

9. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,890 (-1)

10. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,555 (+1)

11. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,395 (+2)

12. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 2,230

13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,195 (+1)

14. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 2,140 (-4)

15. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 2,130 (+5)

16. John Isner (USA) 2,040 (-1)

17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 2,020

18. Marin Cilic (CRO) 1,940 (-2)

19. David Goffin (BEL) 1,815 (-1)

20. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,810 (-1)

...

23. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,670 (-1)

27. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 1,475

Rafael Nadal's Rogers Cup win in Montreal at the weekend marked a significant step for the Spaniard as he prepares for the US Open but it wasn't enough to topple Novak Djokovic at the top of the ATP rankings, released on Monday.

Rafael Nadal's Rogers Cup win in Montreal at the weekend marked a significant step for the Spaniard as he prepares for the US Open but it wasn't enough to topple Novak Djokovic at the top of the ATP rankings, released on Monday. Nadal, who will be vying for a fourth title at Flushing Meadows, was too strong for Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's final, seeing off the Russian 6-3 6-0 to claim his 35th Masters title. Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem stay third and fourth respectively. Stefanos Tsitsipas, who entered the top five for the first time last week, drops two places and is leapfrogged by Kei Nishikori and Alexander Zverev. Medvedev's reward for his appearance in Sunday's final was a one-place climb to eight. ATP rankings as of August 12 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,325 pts 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,460 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,925 5. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040 (+1) 6. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,005 (+1) 7. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 3,455 (-2) 8. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 3,230 (+1) 9. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,890 (-1) 10. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,555 (+1) 11. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,395 (+2) 12. Juan Martin Del Potro (ARG) 2,230 13. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,195 (+1) 14. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 2,140 (-4) 15. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 2,130 (+5) 16. John Isner (USA) 2,040 (-1) 17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 2,020 18. Marin Cilic (CRO) 1,940 (-2) 19. David Goffin (BEL) 1,815 (-1) 20. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,810 (-1) ... 23. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,670 (-1) 27. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 1,475

Rafael Nadal stays at number two as Novak Djokovic rules rankings

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-to-return-to-singles-in-cincinnati-next-week-242157">Andy&nbsp;Murray</a>&nbsp;on Sunday pronounced himself ready to go as he prepared to resume his singles career with a first-round test at the ATP Cincinnati Masters.&nbsp;

"I'm&nbsp;feeling good, I've had three of four good practice sessions," said&nbsp;Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who has tumbled to 325th in the world. "I have zero pain.&nbsp;

"I'm not expecting to move as well as I used to. There is still some improvement to be made, though it will take time.&nbsp;

"I started training&nbsp;singles a few weeks ago, it's the best to train with players at the highest level who hit the ball big."&nbsp;

The 32-year-old, who has undergone two major hip procedures, will face off against Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the opening round with the winner to face fourth seed Dominic Thiem.&nbsp;

Murray&nbsp;last played singles in the Australian Open first round, losing in pain over five sets to Roberto Bautista Agut eight months ago. 
In a tearful post-match analysis,&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;confessed that his career might be over.&nbsp;

That was far from the case, with a hip resurfacing a few weeks later giving him fresh hope.&nbsp;

Murray&nbsp;began playing doubles at Queen's Club in June, winning that grass court title with Feliciano Lopez.&nbsp;

Murray, Cincinnati singles champion in 2008 and 2011, credits doubles king Bob Bryan with inspiring him to make a return after hip surgery.&nbsp;

The American underwent the same resurfacing procedure as&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;in mid-2018 and made a solid return to competition.&nbsp;"I was speaking to him maybe three times a week from when he had his operation and even before,"&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;said of his communication with the recovering Bryan.&nbsp;

"I listened to how he felt and what he had done -- he was my inspiration, a huge help in my own comeback."&nbsp;

Murray&nbsp;said that as he increases his singles workload, everything seems to be falling into place.&nbsp;

"I've been recovering fine from practices, I've not had issues later in the day, I think I've handled myself pretty well."

But he admitted: "It's different playing matches. But at some stage you have to take the step to try and play.&nbsp;

"My team felt this was the time, that's why I'm giving it a go.&nbsp;

"The quickest way to get back up to speed is to practice with the top players, I think that means I can get back quicker."

Andy Murray on Sunday pronounced himself ready to go as he prepared to resume his singles career with a first-round test at the ATP Cincinnati Masters. "I'm feeling good, I've had three of four good practice sessions," said Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who has tumbled to 325th in the world.

Andy Murray on Sunday pronounced himself ready to go as he prepared to resume his singles career with a first-round test at the ATP Cincinnati Masters. "I'm feeling good, I've had three of four good practice sessions," said Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion who has tumbled to 325th in the world. "I have zero pain. "I'm not expecting to move as well as I used to. There is still some improvement to be made, though it will take time. "I started training singles a few weeks ago, it's the best to train with players at the highest level who hit the ball big." The 32-year-old, who has undergone two major hip procedures, will face off against Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the opening round with the winner to face fourth seed Dominic Thiem. Murray last played singles in the Australian Open first round, losing in pain over five sets to Roberto Bautista Agut eight months ago. In a tearful post-match analysis, Murray confessed that his career might be over. That was far from the case, with a hip resurfacing a few weeks later giving him fresh hope. Murray began playing doubles at Queen's Club in June, winning that grass court title with Feliciano Lopez. Murray, Cincinnati singles champion in 2008 and 2011, credits doubles king Bob Bryan with inspiring him to make a return after hip surgery. The American underwent the same resurfacing procedure as Murray in mid-2018 and made a solid return to competition. "I was speaking to him maybe three times a week from when he had his operation and even before," Murray said of his communication with the recovering Bryan. "I listened to how he felt and what he had done -- he was my inspiration, a huge help in my own comeback." Murray said that as he increases his singles workload, everything seems to be falling into place. "I've been recovering fine from practices, I've not had issues later in the day, I think I've handled myself pretty well." But he admitted: "It's different playing matches. But at some stage you have to take the step to try and play. "My team felt this was the time, that's why I'm giving it a go. "The quickest way to get back up to speed is to practice with the top players, I think that means I can get back quicker."

'I'm feeling good': Andy Murray ready as he'll ever be for singles return

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said on Friday he will return to singles competition next week at the ATP Cincinnati Masters, seven months after having right hip surgery he feared might end his career.

The British star posted a photo of himself on his Facebook page on court while yelling with a clenched right fist and the caption: "That feeling when you accept a wildcard for the singles in Cinci... #LetsDoThis #HereWeGo."

The 32-year-old Scotsman has fallen to 325th in the world rankings after his January operation to ease nagging hip pain.

His first match next week in Cincinnati in the final major tuneup for the US Open will be his first competitive singles outing since the Australian Open in January.

"Good news for the sport," Spain's Rafael Nadal said of Murray's return to singles. "Especially great news for him. That means that he's healthy.

"That's going to be a big, big moment for him," Nadal told reporters in Montreal. After all the retirement that he predicted in Australia ... six months later seems like he's back again, healthy, competing well."

Murray will face Richard Gasquet in the first round in Cincy. Murray leads their head-to-head 8-3 and beat the Frenchman in the 2015 Cincinnati quarter-finals.

Should Murray make it to the second round, he would face fourth-seeded Austrian Dominic Thiem.

Murray has played doubles in recent weeks while practicing his singles in a bid to regain his fitness in time to play at Cincinnati as preparation for this year's final Grand Slam event that starts in New York on August 26.

Murray and his brother Jamie played doubles together for the first time since the 2016 Rio Olympics in Washington last week, losing in the quarter-finals.

Murray, the 2012 and 2016 Olympic singles champion, won Grand Slam singles titles at the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said on Friday he will return to singles competition next week at the ATP Cincinnati Masters, seven months after having right hip surgery he feared might end his career.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray said on Friday he will return to singles competition next week at the ATP Cincinnati Masters, seven months after having right hip surgery he feared might end his career. The British star posted a photo of himself on his Facebook page on court while yelling with a clenched right fist and the caption: "That feeling when you accept a wildcard for the singles in Cinci... #LetsDoThis #HereWeGo." The 32-year-old Scotsman has fallen to 325th in the world rankings after his January operation to ease nagging hip pain. His first match next week in Cincinnati in the final major tuneup for the US Open will be his first competitive singles outing since the Australian Open in January. "Good news for the sport," Spain's Rafael Nadal said of Murray's return to singles. "Especially great news for him. That means that he's healthy. "That's going to be a big, big moment for him," Nadal told reporters in Montreal. After all the retirement that he predicted in Australia ... six months later seems like he's back again, healthy, competing well." Murray will face Richard Gasquet in the first round in Cincy. Murray leads their head-to-head 8-3 and beat the Frenchman in the 2015 Cincinnati quarter-finals. Should Murray make it to the second round, he would face fourth-seeded Austrian Dominic Thiem. Murray has played doubles in recent weeks while practicing his singles in a bid to regain his fitness in time to play at Cincinnati as preparation for this year's final Grand Slam event that starts in New York on August 26. Murray and his brother Jamie played doubles together for the first time since the 2016 Rio Olympics in Washington last week, losing in the quarter-finals. Murray, the 2012 and 2016 Olympic singles champion, won Grand Slam singles titles at the 2012 US Open and Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016.

Andy Murray to return to singles in Cincinnati next week

Defending champion&nbsp;Rafael Nadal&nbsp;maintained his momentum in Canada and cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Argentinean Guido Pella to advance to the Rogers Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.

Nadal, who won this event for the fourth time last year, battled through the wind and broke Pella's service four times in the triumph. Playing in his first action since losing to Roger Federer at Wimbledon last month, the 33-year-old Spaniard enjoyed an easier outing than his opening match against England’s Daniel Evans on Wednesday when he rallied from a tiebreak deficit.

Nadal will now face seventh seed Fabio Fognini after the Italian beat France's Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 7-5.

"He's playing great," Nadal said of Fognini after pulling ahead of Federer with his 379th ATP Masters 1000 win.

"I saw him a little bit yesterday. He played a great match. He's having a great season, one of the best of his career, if not the best.

“We are in quarterfinals of a Masters 1000. All opponents are tough. For me, tomorrow is an opportunity to go on court against one of the best players, try to play a good match. So let's see if I am able to.”

In earlier action, Austrian second seed Dominic Thiem beat Croatian Marin Cilic 7-6(7), 6-4 to reach the Rogers Cup quarter-finals.

Thiem, who before this week had never won a match in five attempts in Canada, had his hands full against 14th-seeded Cilic but did well to save all nine break points he faced while relying on a steady stream of groundstroke winners.

The Austrian, who arrived in Montreal fresh off a claycourt title in Kitzbuhel where he was the top seed, said his triumph on home soil helped ease the transition to hardcourt tennis.

"The last three, four years I didn't play worse than this year, but I just came with low confidence and I came little bit sad to Canada because I didn't play good in my own home tournament," said Thiem.

"This year everything is different. I won this title at home. I made one of my biggest dreams come true. Of course, I'm so confident coming here. That's the difference. That's also made the transition pretty easy."

Up next for Thiem will be Russian eighth seed Daniil Medvedev, a 6-3, 6-3 winner over Chile's Cristian Garin.

In other action, sixth-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov rallied to beat 19-year-old Canadian birthday boy Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals.

Third seed Alexander Zverev of Germany will face Khachanov in the quarters after a 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(5) win over Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili.

Spain’s Roberto Bautista advanced past Frenchman Richard Gasquet 7-5, 7-5 while France’s Gael Monfils defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-0.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal maintained his momentum in Canada and cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Argentinean Guido Pella to advance to the Rogers Cup quarter-finals on Thursday.

Defending champion Rafael Nadal maintained his momentum in Canada and cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 win over Argentinean Guido Pella to advance to the Rogers Cup quarter-finals on Thursday. Nadal, who won this event for the fourth time last year, battled through the wind and broke Pella's service four times in the triumph. Playing in his first action since losing to Roger Federer at Wimbledon last month, the 33-year-old Spaniard enjoyed an easier outing than his opening match against England’s Daniel Evans on Wednesday when he rallied from a tiebreak deficit. Nadal will now face seventh seed Fabio Fognini after the Italian beat France's Adrian Mannarino 6-2, 7-5. "He's playing great," Nadal said of Fognini after pulling ahead of Federer with his 379th ATP Masters 1000 win. "I saw him a little bit yesterday. He played a great match. He's having a great season, one of the best of his career, if not the best. “We are in quarterfinals of a Masters 1000. All opponents are tough. For me, tomorrow is an opportunity to go on court against one of the best players, try to play a good match. So let's see if I am able to.” In earlier action, Austrian second seed Dominic Thiem beat Croatian Marin Cilic 7-6(7), 6-4 to reach the Rogers Cup quarter-finals. Thiem, who before this week had never won a match in five attempts in Canada, had his hands full against 14th-seeded Cilic but did well to save all nine break points he faced while relying on a steady stream of groundstroke winners. The Austrian, who arrived in Montreal fresh off a claycourt title in Kitzbuhel where he was the top seed, said his triumph on home soil helped ease the transition to hardcourt tennis. "The last three, four years I didn't play worse than this year, but I just came with low confidence and I came little bit sad to Canada because I didn't play good in my own home tournament," said Thiem. "This year everything is different. I won this title at home. I made one of my biggest dreams come true. Of course, I'm so confident coming here. That's the difference. That's also made the transition pretty easy." Up next for Thiem will be Russian eighth seed Daniil Medvedev, a 6-3, 6-3 winner over Chile's Cristian Garin. In other action, sixth-seeded Russian Karen Khachanov rallied to beat 19-year-old Canadian birthday boy Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-7(7), 7-5, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals. Third seed Alexander Zverev of Germany will face Khachanov in the quarters after a 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(5) win over Georgia's Nikoloz Basilashvili. Spain’s Roberto Bautista advanced past Frenchman Richard Gasquet 7-5, 7-5 while France’s Gael Monfils defeated Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 6-0.

Rafael Nadal tames wind and Pella to cruise to Rogers Cup quarters

Washington Open semi-finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has for the first time climbed into the top five of the latest ATP rankings released Monday.&nbsp;

The 20-year-old Greek, who has already won tournaments in Marseille and Estoril as well as reaching the final of the Masters 1000 in Madrid, is the youngest player in the top 20.

He has leapfrogged Alexander Zverev who dropped two places to seven.

It may be a brief visit to the top five for Tsitsipas with lots of points on offer at this week's Montreal Masters and Kei Nishikori, just five points behind him in sixth. Tsitsipas reached the final in Monreal last year while Nishikori bowed out in round one.

Novak Djokovic remains at number one, the 263rd week of his career that he has occupied the position. That is still 47 weeks short of record-holder Roger Federer (310) who stays third behind Rafael Nadal.

The biggest climber of the week is the Australian Nick Kygios who held his composure to beat Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's Washington Open final.&nbsp;

The Australian rises 25 places to 27, back to where he was at the start of last October and putting him within touching distance of a return to the top 20.&nbsp;

Medvedev moved up one place to nine with Fabio Fognini dropping out of the top 10.

ATP rankings as of August 5

1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,415 pts 
2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945 
3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,460 
4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,755 
5. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4,045 (+1) 
6. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040 (+1) 
7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,005 (-2) 
8. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,890 
9. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,745 (+1) 
10. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 2,500 (+1) 
11. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,420 (-2) 
12. Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG) 2,230 
13. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,215 
14. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,195 
15. John Isner (USA) 2,085 
16. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,030 (+1) 
17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,975 (-1) 
18. David Goffin (BEL) 1,815 
19. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,810 (+1) 
20. Gael Monfils (FRA) 1,770 (-1) 
... 
22. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,715 (-1) 
27. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 1,475 (+25)

Washington Open semi-finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has for the first time climbed into the top five of the latest ATP rankings released Monday. The 20-year-old Greek, who has already won tournaments in Marseille and Estoril as well as reaching the final of the Masters 1000 in Madrid, is the youngest player in the top 20.

Washington Open semi-finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has for the first time climbed into the top five of the latest ATP rankings released Monday. The 20-year-old Greek, who has already won tournaments in Marseille and Estoril as well as reaching the final of the Masters 1000 in Madrid, is the youngest player in the top 20. He has leapfrogged Alexander Zverev who dropped two places to seven. It may be a brief visit to the top five for Tsitsipas with lots of points on offer at this week's Montreal Masters and Kei Nishikori, just five points behind him in sixth. Tsitsipas reached the final in Monreal last year while Nishikori bowed out in round one. Novak Djokovic remains at number one, the 263rd week of his career that he has occupied the position. That is still 47 weeks short of record-holder Roger Federer (310) who stays third behind Rafael Nadal. The biggest climber of the week is the Australian Nick Kygios who held his composure to beat Daniil Medvedev in Sunday's Washington Open final. The Australian rises 25 places to 27, back to where he was at the start of last October and putting him within touching distance of a return to the top 20. Medvedev moved up one place to nine with Fabio Fognini dropping out of the top 10. ATP rankings as of August 5 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 12,415 pts 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7,945 3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7,460 4. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4,755 5. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 4,045 (+1) 6. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,040 (+1) 7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4,005 (-2) 8. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2,890 9. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 2,745 (+1) 10. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 2,500 (+1) 11. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2,420 (-2) 12. Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG) 2,230 13. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,215 14. Borna Coric (CRO) 2,195 15. John Isner (USA) 2,085 16. Marin Cilic (CRO) 2,030 (+1) 17. Nikoloz Basilashvili (GEO) 1,975 (-1) 18. David Goffin (BEL) 1,815 19. Milos Raonic (CAN) 1,810 (+1) 20. Gael Monfils (FRA) 1,770 (-1) ... 22. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 1,715 (-1) 27. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 1,475 (+25)

Stefanos Tsitsipas enters ATP top five for the first time

Spaniard Rafael Nadal has criticised Wimbledon's unique seedings formula, which could hinder his chances of a third title when the tournament starts on Monday.

Unlike the three other Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon does not stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings, meaning players can be bumped up the order to reflect their previous form on the grass.

Wimbledon will announce the seedings on Wednesday when it is likely world number two Nadal could find himself seeded third behind defending champion Novak Djokovic and eight-time champion Roger Federer, who is currently third in the world rankings.

"Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," the 33-year-old Nadal told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday.

"It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept.

"I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula."

Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances, he never got past round four.

If the 12-time French Open champion is dropped to third it means he could potentially have to beat both Djokovic and Federer to claim his first All England club title since 2010.

The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order.

"The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos.

The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw".

Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal has criticised Wimbledon's unique seedings formula, which could hinder his chances of a third title when the tournament starts on Monday. Unlike the three other Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon does not stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings, meaning players can be bumped up the order to reflect their previous form on the grass.

Spaniard Rafael Nadal has criticised Wimbledon's unique seedings formula, which could hinder his chances of a third title when the tournament starts on Monday. Unlike the three other Grand Slam tournaments, Wimbledon does not stick rigidly to the ATP and WTA rankings, meaning players can be bumped up the order to reflect their previous form on the grass. Wimbledon will announce the seedings on Wednesday when it is likely world number two Nadal could find himself seeded third behind defending champion Novak Djokovic and eight-time champion Roger Federer, who is currently third in the world rankings. "Wimbledon is the only tournament of the year that doesn't follow the ranking," the 33-year-old Nadal told Spanish TV station #Vamos on Tuesday. "It's their choice. Either way, being second or third seed, I have to play at the best level to aspire to the things I aspire to. It is better to be second than third, but if they consider that I have to be third I will accept. "I don't think it's a good thing that Wimbledon is the only one with its own seeding formula." Nadal lost a semi-final epic to Djokovic last year but in his previous five appearances, he never got past round four. If the 12-time French Open champion is dropped to third it means he could potentially have to beat both Djokovic and Federer to claim his first All England club title since 2010. The top 32 players on the ATP ranking list, who are present at Wimbledon, will take the seeded places, but a formula using results on grass for the past 24 months can change the order. "The only thing that doesn't seem right to me is that it's just Wimbledon that does it. If everyone did it, I think it would be appropriate or correct," Nadal told #Vamos. The women's seedings follow the WTA ranking list but can be tweaked to produce "a balanced draw". Serena Williams was ranked 183rd ahead of last year's tournament but was handed a seeding of 25.

Rafael Nadal says Wimbledon's seedings system 'not a good thing'

Roger Federer will head to Wimbledon in high spirits after waltzing past Belgium's David Goffin in straight sets to win a record-extending 10th title at the ATP event in Halle on Sunday.&nbsp;

Federer, 37, beat Goffin 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 to secure his 102nd career singles title and remain unbeaten on grass so far this season.&nbsp;

"It's unbelievable. I never thought when I first played here that I would win 10 titles," said Federer.

"I've never won a tournament 10 times before, so I will remember forever that I did so here in Halle."

The Swiss star is chasing a ninth Wimbledon crown in London next month as he looks to extend and defend his record of 20 career majors.&nbsp;

Long-term rival Rafael Nadal moved to within just two titles of Federer's record with his 12th French Open triumph earlier this month, while world number one Novak Djokovic is just five short with 15 career majors.&nbsp;

Federer endured a rough ride in the early rounds in Halle, battling to hard-fought, three-set victories over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Roberto Bautista Agut.&nbsp;

Things got easier in the latter stages as he thrashed Andy Murray's new doubles partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the semi-finals before dispatching Goffin on Sunday.&nbsp;

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Federer held off three break points early in the first set before prevailing in the tiebreaker.&nbsp;

An unsettled looking Goffin then gifted Federer the opening game of the second set with a double fault on break point.&nbsp;

From there, the Swiss never looked back, breaking Goffin twice more on his way to a 10th Halle title.&nbsp;

"I thought David was actually better than me in the first 10 games," said Federer.

Goffin added: "I thought I started really well, there was great intensity in the first set.

"I had opportunities, but you have to take them against Roger. This guy is pretty good."

It is the first time Federer has reached double figures at any individual tournament.&nbsp;

He has triumphed eight times at both Wimbledon and the Dubai Open, and has won his home tournament in Basel on nine occasions.

Roger Federer will head to Wimbledon in high spirits after waltzing past Belgium's David Goffin in straight sets to win a record-extending 10th title at the ATP event in Halle on Sunday.

Roger Federer will head to Wimbledon in high spirits after waltzing past Belgium's David Goffin in straight sets to win a record-extending 10th title at the ATP event in Halle on Sunday. Federer, 37, beat Goffin 7-6 (7/2), 6-1 to secure his 102nd career singles title and remain unbeaten on grass so far this season. "It's unbelievable. I never thought when I first played here that I would win 10 titles," said Federer. "I've never won a tournament 10 times before, so I will remember forever that I did so here in Halle." The Swiss star is chasing a ninth Wimbledon crown in London next month as he looks to extend and defend his record of 20 career majors. Long-term rival Rafael Nadal moved to within just two titles of Federer's record with his 12th French Open triumph earlier this month, while world number one Novak Djokovic is just five short with 15 career majors. Federer endured a rough ride in the early rounds in Halle, battling to hard-fought, three-set victories over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Roberto Bautista Agut. Things got easier in the latter stages as he thrashed Andy Murray's new doubles partner Pierre-Hugues Herbert in the semi-finals before dispatching Goffin on Sunday. HISTORY IN HALLE 🙌 @rogerfederer is the 2019 @ATPHalle champion 🏆 #RF102 pic.twitter.com/IareRxmIah — ATP Tour (@ATP_Tour) June 23, 2019 × Federer held off three break points early in the first set before prevailing in the tiebreaker. An unsettled looking Goffin then gifted Federer the opening game of the second set with a double fault on break point. From there, the Swiss never looked back, breaking Goffin twice more on his way to a 10th Halle title. "I thought David was actually better than me in the first 10 games," said Federer. Goffin added: "I thought I started really well, there was great intensity in the first set. "I had opportunities, but you have to take them against Roger. This guy is pretty good." It is the first time Federer has reached double figures at any individual tournament. He has triumphed eight times at both Wimbledon and the Dubai Open, and has won his home tournament in Basel on nine occasions.

Roger Federer defeats David Goffin for 'unbelievable' 10th Halle title

Fifth seed Alex De Minaur of Australia on Saturday was crowned with the Sydney International tennis tournament title, to claim his first career ATP silverware. 
 
The 19-year-old De Minaur defeated Italian veteran Andreas Seppi in straight set, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), after two hours and five minutes in the final match held at Ken Rosewall Arena. 
 
"I thought it would not happen," De Minuar expressed after the win. "Third time lucky, and you guys do not know how much it means to do it in front of all you guys, in front of my home." 
 
"It is crazy that this actually happened," he added. 
 
The talented young Australian player claimed the feat after losing two ATP finals last year: the Sydney, and Washington opens, in addition to the 2018 Next Generation ATP Finals in the Italian city of Milan. 
 
De Minuar and Seppi are set to fly to Melbourne in the upcoming hours, in order to compete in the Australian Open tournament, which is the first ATP Grand Slam events of the 2019 season.

Fifth seed Alex De Minaur of Australia on Saturday was crowned with the Sydney International tennis tournament title, to claim his first career ATP silverware. The 19-year-old De Minaur defeated Italian veteran Andreas Seppi in straight set, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), after two hours and five minutes in the final match held at Ken Rosewall Arena.

Fifth seed Alex De Minaur of Australia on Saturday was crowned with the Sydney International tennis tournament title, to claim his first career ATP silverware. The 19-year-old De Minaur defeated Italian veteran Andreas Seppi in straight set, 7-5, 7-6 (7-5), after two hours and five minutes in the final match held at Ken Rosewall Arena. "I thought it would not happen," De Minuar expressed after the win. "Third time lucky, and you guys do not know how much it means to do it in front of all you guys, in front of my home." "It is crazy that this actually happened," he added. The talented young Australian player claimed the feat after losing two ATP finals last year: the Sydney, and Washington opens, in addition to the 2018 Next Generation ATP Finals in the Italian city of Milan. De Minuar and Seppi are set to fly to Melbourne in the upcoming hours, in order to compete in the Australian Open tournament, which is the first ATP Grand Slam events of the 2019 season.

Alex de Minaur claims Sydney title, his 1st career ATP tournament win

Twenty four hours after being booed for having the audacity to take down a tennis great, Alexander Zverev returned to topple another one as he stunned Novak Djokovic to win the ATP Finals title on Sunday.

Zverev, billed as the player most likely to lead the sport into a new golden era once the holy trinity of Roger Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have hung up their rackets, took full advantage of an off-key Serb to win 6-4, 6-3.

Hamburg-born Zverev had been shamefully booed and heckled on Saturday by a Federer-worshipping crowd having beaten the six-time champion after a controversial second-set tiebreak.

Against world number one Djokovic, however, the 18,000 fans wedged into the cavernous O2 arena were roaring their support as he produced a level of tennis his opponent could not match.

He struck 20 winners to Djokovic's seven - the last of which was a backhand to end a one hour and 19-minute duel.

"I really can't describe it. It is the biggest title I have ever won," Zverev said on court after becoming the first German to win the ATP's most prestigious title - often referred to as 'the fifth slam' - since Boris Becker in Frankfurt in 1995.

In becoming the youngest ATP Finals champion since Djokovic, also 21, in 2008, Zverev sent out a clear message that he is ready to spend a considerable amount of time at tennis' top table and start accumulating the game's biggest prizes.

Djokovic, whose error-strewn display was a shock after a dominant week in southeast London which included an easy round-robin win over Zverev, sportingly walked around the net to congratulate his conqueror after match point - the German still laying on his back in a state of disbelief.

Later, Djokovic told reporters: "There's a lot of similarities in terms of trajectory of professional tennis, in our careers. Hopefully, he can surpass me.

"There's a lot of time ahead of him. (I) Wish him to stay healthy and obviously win a lot of titles."

Zverev, younger brother of Tour pro-Mischa and now coached by eight-times major champion Ivan Lendl, is yet to go past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam.

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Leave a 👏 to congratulate our 2018 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NittoATPFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NittoATPFinals</a> champion 👇 <a href="https://t.co/Muf22FzHZb">pic.twitter.com/Muf22FzHZb</a>
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That is still the test next year but on Sunday he displayed an added sense of maturity, to go with the natural flair and easy power that have marked him out as a future number one.

His forehand, often regarded as a weakness, was armour-plated and he showed a refreshing willingness to attack the net -- a skill he perhaps has learned from his brother.

Most impressive was that he often prevailed in the long, attritional baseline rallies in which Djokovic has used as the foundation for 14 Grand Slam titles.

The opening eight games resembled a boxing match with both players probing for weaknesses - although it was evident that Zverev's packed the more powerful punches.

Djokovic, winner of 35 of his last 37 matches during a dominant second half of the year which propelled him back to world number one, had not dropped serve all week and had faced only two break points in his four previous matches.

But at 4-4 he wavered as he yanked an edgy forehand halfway up the net to give Zverev the chance to serve for the set.

Zverev took his opportunity in emphatic fashion - blasting down three consecutive aces then winning the set when another Djokovic forehand flew long.

An increasingly-ragged Djokovic then dropped his opening two service games of the second set, either side of breaking Zverev for the first time as the German played a rare loose game.

The crowd still expected a Djokovic fight back but it never materialised and at 3-5 the 31-year-old crumbled, serving a double-fault to help Zverev earn two match points.

He saved the first but was left standing as Zverev conjured a stunning backhand to cap a brilliant display.

Twenty four hours after being booed for having the audacity to take down a tennis great, Alexander Zverev returned to topple another one as he stunned Novak Djokovic to win the ATP Finals title on Sunday.

Twenty four hours after being booed for having the audacity to take down a tennis great, Alexander Zverev returned to topple another one as he stunned Novak Djokovic to win the ATP Finals title on Sunday. Zverev, billed as the player most likely to lead the sport into a new golden era once the holy trinity of Roger Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have hung up their rackets, took full advantage of an off-key Serb to win 6-4, 6-3. Hamburg-born Zverev had been shamefully booed and heckled on Saturday by a Federer-worshipping crowd having beaten the six-time champion after a controversial second-set tiebreak. Against world number one Djokovic, however, the 18,000 fans wedged into the cavernous O2 arena were roaring their support as he produced a level of tennis his opponent could not match. He struck 20 winners to Djokovic's seven - the last of which was a backhand to end a one hour and 19-minute duel. "I really can't describe it. It is the biggest title I have ever won," Zverev said on court after becoming the first German to win the ATP's most prestigious title - often referred to as 'the fifth slam' - since Boris Becker in Frankfurt in 1995. In becoming the youngest ATP Finals champion since Djokovic, also 21, in 2008, Zverev sent out a clear message that he is ready to spend a considerable amount of time at tennis' top table and start accumulating the game's biggest prizes. Djokovic, whose error-strewn display was a shock after a dominant week in southeast London which included an easy round-robin win over Zverev, sportingly walked around the net to congratulate his conqueror after match point - the German still laying on his back in a state of disbelief. Later, Djokovic told reporters: "There's a lot of similarities in terms of trajectory of professional tennis, in our careers. Hopefully, he can surpass me. "There's a lot of time ahead of him. (I) Wish him to stay healthy and obviously win a lot of titles." Zverev, younger brother of Tour pro-Mischa and now coached by eight-times major champion Ivan Lendl, is yet to go past the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam. "I couldn't imagine a better ending" 💪 Leave a 👏 to congratulate our 2018 #NittoATPFinals champion 👇 pic.twitter.com/Muf22FzHZb — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) November 19, 2018 × That is still the test next year but on Sunday he displayed an added sense of maturity, to go with the natural flair and easy power that have marked him out as a future number one. His forehand, often regarded as a weakness, was armour-plated and he showed a refreshing willingness to attack the net -- a skill he perhaps has learned from his brother. Most impressive was that he often prevailed in the long, attritional baseline rallies in which Djokovic has used as the foundation for 14 Grand Slam titles. The opening eight games resembled a boxing match with both players probing for weaknesses - although it was evident that Zverev's packed the more powerful punches. Djokovic, winner of 35 of his last 37 matches during a dominant second half of the year which propelled him back to world number one, had not dropped serve all week and had faced only two break points in his four previous matches. But at 4-4 he wavered as he yanked an edgy forehand halfway up the net to give Zverev the chance to serve for the set. Zverev took his opportunity in emphatic fashion - blasting down three consecutive aces then winning the set when another Djokovic forehand flew long. An increasingly-ragged Djokovic then dropped his opening two service games of the second set, either side of breaking Zverev for the first time as the German played a rare loose game. The crowd still expected a Djokovic fight back but it never materialised and at 3-5 the 31-year-old crumbled, serving a double-fault to help Zverev earn two match points. He saved the first but was left standing as Zverev conjured a stunning backhand to cap a brilliant display.

Alexander Zverev stuns Novak Djokovic to claim ATP Finals title

Alexander Zverev stunned Novak Djokovic to win <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/alexander-zverev-stuns-novak-djokovic-to-claim-atp-finals-title-178131">his first ATP Finals title</a> at London's O2 arena on Sunday.

The German hailed the victory as the biggest his biggest title ever. "I really can't describe it. It is the biggest title I have ever won," he said after winning the ATP title which is often considered as the fifth slam.

He further added, "It's quite astonishing, winning this title, beating two such players back-to-back, Roger and Novak, in semi-finals and finals."

The 21-year-old Zverev became the youngest champion of the season-ending event since Djokovic claimed the first of his five titles a decade ago, and the first from Germany since 1995

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MATCH POINT 🏆 
 
Sascha Zverev silences <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> to make history in London 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NittoATPFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NittoATPFinals</a> 🎥 <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisTV</a> <a href="https://t.co/t0VSjogd9m">pic.twitter.com/t0VSjogd9m</a>
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While the runner-up Djokovic has claimed that Alexander Zverev can win more titles than him but the 21-year-old believes it's too early to talk about it as he just clinched the biggest title of his career.

On being asked the sdame, "Oh Jesus, oh my God! I mean one of those (looking at the trophy), he won five and he is one… I don't know what, 148 more titles than me, so let's not go there for now. I hope I can do great, I mean, but let's just chill out a bit…"

Zverev has billed as the player most likely to lead the sport into a new golden era once the holy trinity of Roger Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have hung up their rackets.

"It's great, but you know the future… we still got multiple and multiple years ahead and a lot of things can happen and a lot of things can change and I'll do everything I can to be on top, but, you know, the other guys are playing great tennis as well."

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Zverev sunk to the ground in tears as Djokovic sportingly crossed the net to embrace the player who will now be considered among the favourites to end the Serb's run of two consecutive Grand Slam victories in Australia in two months' time.

Alexander Zverev stunned Novak Djokovic to win his first ATP Finals title at London's O2 arena on Sunday. The German hailed the victory as the biggest his biggest title ever.

Alexander Zverev stunned Novak Djokovic to win his first ATP Finals title at London's O2 arena on Sunday. The German hailed the victory as the biggest his biggest title ever. "I really can't describe it. It is the biggest title I have ever won," he said after winning the ATP title which is often considered as the fifth slam. He further added, "It's quite astonishing, winning this title, beating two such players back-to-back, Roger and Novak, in semi-finals and finals." The 21-year-old Zverev became the youngest champion of the season-ending event since Djokovic claimed the first of his five titles a decade ago, and the first from Germany since 1995 MATCH POINT 🏆 Sascha Zverev silences @DjokerNole to make history in London 👏#NittoATPFinals 🎥 @TennisTV pic.twitter.com/t0VSjogd9m — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) November 18, 2018 × While the runner-up Djokovic has claimed that Alexander Zverev can win more titles than him but the 21-year-old believes it's too early to talk about it as he just clinched the biggest title of his career. On being asked the sdame, "Oh Jesus, oh my God! I mean one of those (looking at the trophy), he won five and he is one… I don't know what, 148 more titles than me, so let's not go there for now. I hope I can do great, I mean, but let's just chill out a bit…" Zverev has billed as the player most likely to lead the sport into a new golden era once the holy trinity of Roger Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have hung up their rackets. "It's great, but you know the future… we still got multiple and multiple years ahead and a lot of things can happen and a lot of things can change and I'll do everything I can to be on top, but, you know, the other guys are playing great tennis as well." CAPTION THIS 👇 #NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/tETpabjT7R — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) November 18, 2018 × Zverev sunk to the ground in tears as Djokovic sportingly crossed the net to embrace the player who will now be considered among the favourites to end the Serb's run of two consecutive Grand Slam victories in Australia in two months' time.

'Long way to go to beat Djokovic's titles' tally,' says Alexander Zverev

Roger Federer sprang to Alexander Zverev's defence after some of the Swiss great's diehard fans booed the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/alexander-zverev-becomes-first-german-to-reach-atp-finals-title-match-since-1996-177978">young German </a>after his superb victory in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-thumps-anderson-to-set-up-final-clash-with-zverev-177928">the last four of the ATP Finals </a>on Saturday.

Zverev, 21, won fair and square 7-5, 7-6(5) to claim a third victory in six meetings with Federer, but the semi-final ended in uproar after a controversial second-set tiebreak.

Federer was leading 4-3 when Zverev stopped mid-rally after a ball slipped from a ball boys' hand and into his line of vision. When the point was replayed Zverev served an ace.

A few points later Zverev finished off the 37-year-old with a nerveless volley, but his on-court interview was drowned out by a cacophony of boos and heckling from fans who believed the German had gained an unfair advantage.

"Look, I understand the frustration. It's just unfortunate circumstances," 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer told reporters. "Booing, I never like it. We see it in other sports all the time, but in tennis it's rare.

"So when it happens, it gets very personal and we take it very direct. I think it's unfortunate that this happened. Sascha doesn't deserve it.

"He apologised to me at the net. I was like, 'buddy, shut up! You don't need to apologise to me here. Congratulations on a great match and a great tournament so far.'

"He didn't do anything about it. He just called it how it was. He felt it affected play. There is a rule that if something like this happens, obviously you replay points."

Watch the video here:

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🧐 ZVEREV BALL BOY INCIDENT ANALYSED 🧐 
 
Host <a href="https://twitter.com/marcus_buckland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@marcus_buckland</a> discusses the ball boy incident in the match between Alexander <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zverev?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zverev</a> &amp; Roger <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Federer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Federer</a> in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPFinals</a> last four with <a href="https://twitter.com/GregRusedski1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GregRusedski1</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/pfleming55?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pfleming55</a> in the Sky Sports' studio. <a href="https://t.co/Omsr9dYl4R">pic.twitter.com/Omsr9dYl4R</a>
— Sky Sports Tennis 🎾 (@SkySportsTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkySportsTennis/status/1063882543999696896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Federer, who was already being pencilled in for a Sunday showdown with great rival <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-thumps-anderson-to-set-up-final-clash-with-zverev-177928">Novak Djokovic</a>, said he had asked the ball boy whether or not he had dropped the ball.

"He said, 'Yes, I did drop the ball.' From that standpoint, it's okay, no problem, that happens. It's all good. I hope he doesn't have a sleepless night. It's not a big deal at the end of the day. This is life, this is sport. Definitely not mad at him. It's all good," he added.

Zverev, the first German to reach the final of the prestigious season-ender since Boris Becker in 1996, said the boos from the Fed-Heads in the crowd had shaken him up.

"I was a little bit sad at the end with the booing and reaction of the crowd," he said.

"I was very emotional afterwards. The booing went into cheering kind of afterwards, which kind of helped me.

"I was really upset afterwards in the locker room, I'm not going to lie. I had to take a few minutes for myself.

"But, you know, I hope the crowd and the people who were booing maybe look at what actually happened, maybe just realise that I've maybe not done anything wrong."

Roger Federer sprang to Alexander Zverev's defence after some of the Swiss great's diehard fans booed the young German after his superb victory in the last four of the ATP Finals on Saturday.

Roger Federer sprang to Alexander Zverev's defence after some of the Swiss great's diehard fans booed the young German after his superb victory in the last four of the ATP Finals on Saturday. Zverev, 21, won fair and square 7-5, 7-6(5) to claim a third victory in six meetings with Federer, but the semi-final ended in uproar after a controversial second-set tiebreak. Federer was leading 4-3 when Zverev stopped mid-rally after a ball slipped from a ball boys' hand and into his line of vision. When the point was replayed Zverev served an ace. A few points later Zverev finished off the 37-year-old with a nerveless volley, but his on-court interview was drowned out by a cacophony of boos and heckling from fans who believed the German had gained an unfair advantage. "Look, I understand the frustration. It's just unfortunate circumstances," 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer told reporters. "Booing, I never like it. We see it in other sports all the time, but in tennis it's rare. "So when it happens, it gets very personal and we take it very direct. I think it's unfortunate that this happened. Sascha doesn't deserve it. "He apologised to me at the net. I was like, 'buddy, shut up! You don't need to apologise to me here. Congratulations on a great match and a great tournament so far.' "He didn't do anything about it. He just called it how it was. He felt it affected play. There is a rule that if something like this happens, obviously you replay points." Watch the video here: 🧐 ZVEREV BALL BOY INCIDENT ANALYSED 🧐 Host @marcus_buckland discusses the ball boy incident in the match between Alexander #Zverev & Roger #Federer in the #ATPFinals last four with @GregRusedski1 & @pfleming55 in the Sky Sports' studio. pic.twitter.com/Omsr9dYl4R — Sky Sports Tennis 🎾 (@SkySportsTennis) November 17, 2018 × Federer, who was already being pencilled in for a Sunday showdown with great rival Novak Djokovic, said he had asked the ball boy whether or not he had dropped the ball. "He said, 'Yes, I did drop the ball.' From that standpoint, it's okay, no problem, that happens. It's all good. I hope he doesn't have a sleepless night. It's not a big deal at the end of the day. This is life, this is sport. Definitely not mad at him. It's all good," he added. Zverev, the first German to reach the final of the prestigious season-ender since Boris Becker in 1996, said the boos from the Fed-Heads in the crowd had shaken him up. "I was a little bit sad at the end with the booing and reaction of the crowd," he said. "I was very emotional afterwards. The booing went into cheering kind of afterwards, which kind of helped me. "I was really upset afterwards in the locker room, I'm not going to lie. I had to take a few minutes for myself. "But, you know, I hope the crowd and the people who were booing maybe look at what actually happened, maybe just realise that I've maybe not done anything wrong."

Watch: Why Alexander Zverev was booed during clash against Roger Federer

Alexander Zverev defeated Swiss star Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-thumps-anderson-to-set-up-final-clash-with-zverev-177928">semis of ATP Finals</a> and became the first German tennis player since Boris Becker in 1996 to make it to the title match.&nbsp;

"Federer, who is 16 years older than 21-year-old Zverev, had been pursuing the 100th title of his illustrious career this week and now drops to 10-5 in semi-finals at the season finale, which he first won in 2003 when the tournament was played in Houston," ATP's official website stated.

Rather than being able to celebrate to reach the final of a tournament, which is often dubbed "the fifth slam", he was shamefully booed and heckled during his post-match speech.

The match ended on an unsavoury note due to an incident during the tie-beak when a ball boy dropped a ball during a rally. Zverev rightly asked for a let, but the Federer fans in The O2 crowd were unhappy that the point was replayed and booed him.

Zverev apologised to Federer but admitted he was upset about the incident.

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One match away from the 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/TennisTV?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisTV</a> highlights as Sascha Zverev defeated <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> to secure his place in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NittoATPFinals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NittoATPFinals</a> title match 👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SuperSaturday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SuperSaturday</a> <a href="https://t.co/zlyKtRA5Kq">pic.twitter.com/zlyKtRA5Kq</a>
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Alexander Zverev: "Well I mean then the ball boy dropped the ball in the middle of the rally and ran for it. So, without even thinking I stopped the rally and said it was a let. You know that's how it is with the rules. "Obviously the crowd didn't appreciate it, to which I was a little bit upset.... not upset, but I was a little bit sad at the end to it."

Alexander Zverev defeated Swiss star Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) in the semis of ATP Finals and became the first German tennis player since Boris Becker in 1996 to make it to the title match.

Alexander Zverev defeated Swiss star Roger Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7-5) in the semis of ATP Finals and became the first German tennis player since Boris Becker in 1996 to make it to the title match. "Federer, who is 16 years older than 21-year-old Zverev, had been pursuing the 100th title of his illustrious career this week and now drops to 10-5 in semi-finals at the season finale, which he first won in 2003 when the tournament was played in Houston," ATP's official website stated. Rather than being able to celebrate to reach the final of a tournament, which is often dubbed "the fifth slam", he was shamefully booed and heckled during his post-match speech. The match ended on an unsavoury note due to an incident during the tie-beak when a ball boy dropped a ball during a rally. Zverev rightly asked for a let, but the Federer fans in The O2 crowd were unhappy that the point was replayed and booed him. Zverev apologised to Federer but admitted he was upset about the incident. One match away from the 🏆@TennisTV highlights as Sascha Zverev defeated @rogerfederer to secure his place in the #NittoATPFinals title match 👇#SuperSaturday pic.twitter.com/zlyKtRA5Kq — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) November 17, 2018 × Alexander Zverev: "Well I mean then the ball boy dropped the ball in the middle of the rally and ran for it. So, without even thinking I stopped the rally and said it was a let. You know that's how it is with the rules. "Obviously the crowd didn't appreciate it, to which I was a little bit upset.... not upset, but I was a little bit sad at the end to it."

Alexander Zverev becomes first German to reach ATP Finals title match since 1996

Novak Djokovic produced a masterful display to outclass South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday (November 17) to set up an ATP Finals title showdown with Alexander Zverev.

The world number one was immaculate from start to finish against the 32-year-old as he put himself within touching distance of a record-equalling sixth title at the year-ender.

He offered up a mere 14 unforced errors and not a single break point as he again proved too good for Anderson, who he beat to win Wimbledon this year.

"I think it was the best match I've played so far this week -- it came at the right time," Djokovic, who has been almost unstoppable in the second half of the year, said.

"Kevin has been playing great tennis this week. He lost his serve in the first game which was big because he relies so much on his serve. I tried to win as many points on his second serve as possible. It worked very well.

"I'm very happy to reach the final."

Djokovic found his range immediately and the writing was on the wall for Anderson when he dropped serve in the opening game.

Anderson, the first South African to reach the semi-finals in the tournament's 48-year history, simply had no answer to the relentless accuracy of Djokovic's groundstrokes and had to save two break points in his next service game.

Breezing through his own service games - he is yet to be broken this week - Djokovic was able to exert maximum pressure on Anderson's delivery and his opponent buckled to drop serve again as Djokovic pocketed a one-sided opener.

There was no let-up at the start of the second set for Anderson as he double-faulted to go 0-40 in his opening service game, Djokovic duly breaking again as the world number six dumped a forehand into the net.

Anderson received a code violation for an audible obscenity but it was hard to blame him for losing his cool as Djokovic continued to turn the screw.

Breaks were arriving with the frequency of London buses for the Serb and a rasping crosscourt forehand gave him another one as he romped into a 5-1 lead.

Anderson nicked one game back but it was a hopeless task and Djokovic put him out of his misery with a netcord on matchpoint to claim a 35th win in his last 37 matches -- a run including the Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles to swell his collection of Grand Slam titles to 14.

Not bad for a man who began the year plagued with an elbow injury that needed surgery and who slumped to 22nd in the ATP rankings as recently as June.

Should he win against the 21-year-old Zverev, who he beat convincingly in the round-robin stage here, the 31-year-old will become the oldest player to claim the title.

Roger Federer, the previous oldest, was beaten 7-5, 7-6(5) by Zverev in the day's first semi-final.

Novak Djokovic produced a masterful display to outclass South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday (November 17) to set up an ATP Finals title showdown with Alexander Zverev.

Novak Djokovic produced a masterful display to outclass South Africa's Kevin Anderson 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday (November 17) to set up an ATP Finals title showdown with Alexander Zverev. The world number one was immaculate from start to finish against the 32-year-old as he put himself within touching distance of a record-equalling sixth title at the year-ender. He offered up a mere 14 unforced errors and not a single break point as he again proved too good for Anderson, who he beat to win Wimbledon this year. "I think it was the best match I've played so far this week -- it came at the right time," Djokovic, who has been almost unstoppable in the second half of the year, said. "Kevin has been playing great tennis this week. He lost his serve in the first game which was big because he relies so much on his serve. I tried to win as many points on his second serve as possible. It worked very well. "I'm very happy to reach the final." Djokovic found his range immediately and the writing was on the wall for Anderson when he dropped serve in the opening game. Anderson, the first South African to reach the semi-finals in the tournament's 48-year history, simply had no answer to the relentless accuracy of Djokovic's groundstrokes and had to save two break points in his next service game. Breezing through his own service games - he is yet to be broken this week - Djokovic was able to exert maximum pressure on Anderson's delivery and his opponent buckled to drop serve again as Djokovic pocketed a one-sided opener. There was no let-up at the start of the second set for Anderson as he double-faulted to go 0-40 in his opening service game, Djokovic duly breaking again as the world number six dumped a forehand into the net. Anderson received a code violation for an audible obscenity but it was hard to blame him for losing his cool as Djokovic continued to turn the screw. Breaks were arriving with the frequency of London buses for the Serb and a rasping crosscourt forehand gave him another one as he romped into a 5-1 lead. Anderson nicked one game back but it was a hopeless task and Djokovic put him out of his misery with a netcord on matchpoint to claim a 35th win in his last 37 matches -- a run including the Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles to swell his collection of Grand Slam titles to 14. Not bad for a man who began the year plagued with an elbow injury that needed surgery and who slumped to 22nd in the ATP rankings as recently as June. Should he win against the 21-year-old Zverev, who he beat convincingly in the round-robin stage here, the 31-year-old will become the oldest player to claim the title. Roger Federer, the previous oldest, was beaten 7-5, 7-6(5) by Zverev in the day's first semi-final.

Novak Djokovic thumps Anderson to set up final clash with Zverev

The Davis Cup must not try to compete with the soon-to-be-launched ATP Cup and revert to its traditional home and away format, according to Swedish great Mats Wilander.

In a controversial move the International Tennis Federation (ITF) this year voted to revamp the 118-year-old team event which is known for its partisan, soccer-like crowds.

Instead of a year-long draw in which ties are played on the home soil of one of the nations involved, including the final, a week-long 18-nation event, backed to the tune of $3 billion by investment group Kosmos, will kick off in Madrid next November.

Next weekend's Davis Cup final in Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy, where hosts and defending champions France take on Croatia, will be the last of its kind.

Wilander says the ITF should think again.

"I think the Davis Cup is in the middle of reorganising but they are not really knowing exactly what they need to do to get it back on track," Wilander, who won three finals with Sweden, told Reuters in an interview at the ATP Finals in London.

"They should not be competing with the ATP Cup.

"Davis Cup must be home and away and inspire local enthusiasts. To take away, for example, Belgium's chance to play at home in the Davis Cup semi-final and put them on neutral ground, that's crazy."

Next year's Davis Cup will still have home and away ties -- but only in the first round. The winners will go forward to the 18-nation finals played at the Caja Magica. Wilander says that is the wrong way round.

"The Davis Cup should be home and away from the semi-finals as a minimum, I would say even the quarters," he said.

"Roger Federer doesn't want to play a first round perhaps in Kazakhstan. But a semi-final in Basel, in front of 20,000 Swiss fans? Of course he will. It's detrimental.

"If David Goffin gets to the quarter-finals of the French Open some diehards in Belgium will tune in. If Belgium is playing semi-finals of Davis Cup at home, 50 percent of sports fans will tune in.

"That's what the little kid with his mum and dad remembers. I bet 50 percent of the top 100 players remember watching (the) Davis Cup before they watched, maybe not Wimbledon, but certainly before the other Slams or ATP tournaments."

Wilander says next week's final will be a massive event in France, all the more reason to leave the format alone.

"You want to take that away?" Wilander said. "France is perhaps the biggest tennis nation but they don't have much to cheer at the French Open. The Davis Cup is a chance for French players to win something big, in France."

ATP CUP HOPES

The ATP Cup, featuring 24 nations, was launched by the ATP Tour this week in London and will start in January 2020 in three Australian cities -- just before the Australian Open and six weeks after the first edition of the new Davis Cup.

"It's a brilliant idea," Wilander said. "It gives players a team competition because Davis Cup is not always convenient for the player. I hope it's a massive success."

And as for the Davis Cup's new model, Wilander said: "Maybe if it would be a failure the ITF would go back and look at it, fine tune what they had instead of changing everything."

World number one Novak Djokovic, who won the Cup with Serbia in Belgrade, said players would miss the frenzied home support.

"The home-and-away was probably the very thing that attracted all the players and fans to this competition," Djokovic, who attended the launch of the ATP Cup, said.

"At the same time in order to change something, you also need to sacrifice something. I guess for this kind of a format change, you had to take away something, and that was it."

The Davis Cup must not try to compete with the soon-to-be-launched ATP Cup and revert to its traditional home and away format, according to Swedish great Mats Wilander.

The Davis Cup must not try to compete with the soon-to-be-launched ATP Cup and revert to its traditional home and away format, according to Swedish great Mats Wilander. In a controversial move the International Tennis Federation (ITF) this year voted to revamp the 118-year-old team event which is known for its partisan, soccer-like crowds. Instead of a year-long draw in which ties are played on the home soil of one of the nations involved, including the final, a week-long 18-nation event, backed to the tune of $3 billion by investment group Kosmos, will kick off in Madrid next November. Next weekend's Davis Cup final in Lille's Stade Pierre Mauroy, where hosts and defending champions France take on Croatia, will be the last of its kind. Wilander says the ITF should think again. "I think the Davis Cup is in the middle of reorganising but they are not really knowing exactly what they need to do to get it back on track," Wilander, who won three finals with Sweden, told Reuters in an interview at the ATP Finals in London. "They should not be competing with the ATP Cup. "Davis Cup must be home and away and inspire local enthusiasts. To take away, for example, Belgium's chance to play at home in the Davis Cup semi-final and put them on neutral ground, that's crazy." Next year's Davis Cup will still have home and away ties -- but only in the first round. The winners will go forward to the 18-nation finals played at the Caja Magica. Wilander says that is the wrong way round. "The Davis Cup should be home and away from the semi-finals as a minimum, I would say even the quarters," he said. "Roger Federer doesn't want to play a first round perhaps in Kazakhstan. But a semi-final in Basel, in front of 20,000 Swiss fans? Of course he will. It's detrimental. "If David Goffin gets to the quarter-finals of the French Open some diehards in Belgium will tune in. If Belgium is playing semi-finals of Davis Cup at home, 50 percent of sports fans will tune in. "That's what the little kid with his mum and dad remembers. I bet 50 percent of the top 100 players remember watching (the) Davis Cup before they watched, maybe not Wimbledon, but certainly before the other Slams or ATP tournaments." Wilander says next week's final will be a massive event in France, all the more reason to leave the format alone. "You want to take that away?" Wilander said. "France is perhaps the biggest tennis nation but they don't have much to cheer at the French Open. The Davis Cup is a chance for French players to win something big, in France." ATP CUP HOPES The ATP Cup, featuring 24 nations, was launched by the ATP Tour this week in London and will start in January 2020 in three Australian cities -- just before the Australian Open and six weeks after the first edition of the new Davis Cup. "It's a brilliant idea," Wilander said. "It gives players a team competition because Davis Cup is not always convenient for the player. I hope it's a massive success." And as for the Davis Cup's new model, Wilander said: "Maybe if it would be a failure the ITF would go back and look at it, fine tune what they had instead of changing everything." World number one Novak Djokovic, who won the Cup with Serbia in Belgrade, said players would miss the frenzied home support. "The home-and-away was probably the very thing that attracted all the players and fans to this competition," Djokovic, who attended the launch of the ATP Cup, said. "At the same time in order to change something, you also need to sacrifice something. I guess for this kind of a format change, you had to take away something, and that was it."

Wilander criticises Davis Cup revamp as 'last' final looms

Shortly after German wunderkind Alexander Zverev trudged off court having lost to Chung Hyeon at this year's Australian Open he was treated to a few kind words from Roger Federer.

Whatever the Swiss great said apparently had some effect because scroll forward to the end of the year and the 21-year-old tops the Tour match wins chart with 56.

He has three titles to his name this season, including winning a third Masters 1000 in Madrid, and on Saturday he will become the first German for 15 years to contest a semi-final match at the season-ending ATP Finals.

The man he will face is none other than 20-times Grand Slam champion Federer who is chasing a seventh ATP Finals crown.

World number five Zverev, now under the watchful eye of eight-times Grand Slam champion, and former coach to Andy Murray, Ivan Lendl, does not attribute his great season to Federer's words of wisdom. But they certainly did no harm.

"That chat was more for then in that time. I was very upset about my third-round loss," Zverev told reporters after his 7-6(5) 6-3 win over John Isner to seal a last-four spot.

"I had a tough match, another tough loss at a Grand Slam. He was more talking about that, that I shouldn't get too upset. He made his first quarter-final much later in his career, as well."

Zverev, tipped to lead tennis forward in the post Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Murray era, finally reached a Grand Slam quarter-final at this year's French Open -- at the 15th time of asking. Federer did it in his eighth.

There are signs, though, that Zverev is beginning to harness his natural power and foot speed into a complete package. Beating Federer on Saturday at the 02, one of the world's biggest tennis stages, would send out a statement.

"It's going to be a very difficult match," Hamburg native Zverev, already beaten this week in group play by world number one Novak Djokovic, said.

"I mean, him on this surface, indoor court, he's an unbelievable player."

Former world number one Mats Wilander believes the appointment of Lendl could be a key decision for Zverev.

"He is going in the right direction," the Swede told Reuters. "He's made big steps in his ranking which is good and small steps in terms of his game. He is not panicking any more.

"There is still room for improvement. It won't be overnight but it's going to help him tremendously to have someone like Ivan with his experience. Lendl made just small changes with Murray and he ended up winning a bunch of majors."

Zverev acknowledged there are areas to work on.

"All of you guys keep thinking that my forehand is absolute crap, to be honest," he told reporters. "I don't know why.

"Of course, it needs improvement. But every other shot in the book kind of needs improvement."

Shortly after German wunderkind Alexander Zverev trudged off court having lost to Chung Hyeon at this year's Australian Open he was treated to a few kind words from Roger Federer.

Shortly after German wunderkind Alexander Zverev trudged off court having lost to Chung Hyeon at this year's Australian Open he was treated to a few kind words from Roger Federer. Whatever the Swiss great said apparently had some effect because scroll forward to the end of the year and the 21-year-old tops the Tour match wins chart with 56. He has three titles to his name this season, including winning a third Masters 1000 in Madrid, and on Saturday he will become the first German for 15 years to contest a semi-final match at the season-ending ATP Finals. The man he will face is none other than 20-times Grand Slam champion Federer who is chasing a seventh ATP Finals crown. World number five Zverev, now under the watchful eye of eight-times Grand Slam champion, and former coach to Andy Murray, Ivan Lendl, does not attribute his great season to Federer's words of wisdom. But they certainly did no harm. "That chat was more for then in that time. I was very upset about my third-round loss," Zverev told reporters after his 7-6(5) 6-3 win over John Isner to seal a last-four spot. "I had a tough match, another tough loss at a Grand Slam. He was more talking about that, that I shouldn't get too upset. He made his first quarter-final much later in his career, as well." Zverev, tipped to lead tennis forward in the post Federer, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Murray era, finally reached a Grand Slam quarter-final at this year's French Open -- at the 15th time of asking. Federer did it in his eighth. There are signs, though, that Zverev is beginning to harness his natural power and foot speed into a complete package. Beating Federer on Saturday at the 02, one of the world's biggest tennis stages, would send out a statement. "It's going to be a very difficult match," Hamburg native Zverev, already beaten this week in group play by world number one Novak Djokovic, said. "I mean, him on this surface, indoor court, he's an unbelievable player." Former world number one Mats Wilander believes the appointment of Lendl could be a key decision for Zverev. "He is going in the right direction," the Swede told Reuters. "He's made big steps in his ranking which is good and small steps in terms of his game. He is not panicking any more. "There is still room for improvement. It won't be overnight but it's going to help him tremendously to have someone like Ivan with his experience. Lendl made just small changes with Murray and he ended up winning a bunch of majors." Zverev acknowledged there are areas to work on. "All of you guys keep thinking that my forehand is absolute crap, to be honest," he told reporters. "I don't know why. "Of course, it needs improvement. But every other shot in the book kind of needs improvement."

Federer's words of wisdom help Zverev see the light

Kevin Anderson came within a whisker of a rare "double bagel" at the ATP Finals when he trounced Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-0, 6-1 at the 02 Arena on Tuesday (November 13).

The 32-year-old debutant at the ATP's blue riband event won the first 11 games of the round-robin clash before a relieved Nishikori finally got on the scoreboard with an angled winner.

Normal service was quickly resumed though as Anderson closed out victory thanks to a 24th unforced error by Nishikori.

Only six-times champion Roger Federer has enjoyed a 6-0 6-0 victory at the season-ending tournament, that coming in 2005 in Shanghai against unfortunate Argentine Gaston Gaudio.

Anderson, the first South African to qualify for the eight-man event since 1995, made it two wins from two round-robin matches with a stunning display.

What made it all the more impressive was that Nishikori had beaten Federer in straight sets on Sunday and that Anderson had trailed the Japanese 3-5 in their head-to-head record.

Anderson, who opened with a straight sets win against Dominic Thiem, tops the Lleyton Hewitt group and will reach the semi-finals if Thiem beats Federer later.

Kevin Anderson came within a whisker of a rare "double bagel" at the ATP Finals when he trounced Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-0, 6-1 at the 02 Arena on Tuesday (November 13).

Kevin Anderson came within a whisker of a rare "double bagel" at the ATP Finals when he trounced Japan's Kei Nishikori 6-0, 6-1 at the 02 Arena on Tuesday (November 13). The 32-year-old debutant at the ATP's blue riband event won the first 11 games of the round-robin clash before a relieved Nishikori finally got on the scoreboard with an angled winner. Normal service was quickly resumed though as Anderson closed out victory thanks to a 24th unforced error by Nishikori. Only six-times champion Roger Federer has enjoyed a 6-0 6-0 victory at the season-ending tournament, that coming in 2005 in Shanghai against unfortunate Argentine Gaston Gaudio. Anderson, the first South African to qualify for the eight-man event since 1995, made it two wins from two round-robin matches with a stunning display. What made it all the more impressive was that Nishikori had beaten Federer in straight sets on Sunday and that Anderson had trailed the Japanese 3-5 in their head-to-head record. Anderson, who opened with a straight sets win against Dominic Thiem, tops the Lleyton Hewitt group and will reach the semi-finals if Thiem beats Federer later.

Kevin Anderson thrashes Nishikori 6-0, 6-1 at ATP Finals

Serbia's star <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=novak+djokovic">Novak Djokovic</a> has maintained the No. 1 spot in the men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 8,045 points. 
 
Djokovic snatched the top spot from Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal after his retirement from the Paris Masters due to abdominal problems. 
 
Roger Federer of Switzerland remained world No. 3 ahead of Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in this week's unchanged rankings. 
 
Meanwhile, Argentine Guido Pella jumped seven places up to world No. 58 thanks to his victory at the Uruguay Open on Sunday. 
 
The current top-10 ATP rankings and point scores are as follows: 
 
1. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 8,045 points 
 
2. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 7,480 
 
3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6,020 
 
4. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 5,300 
 
5. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,085 
 
6. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 4,310 
 
7. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,050 
 
8. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,895 
 
9. Kei Nishikori (Japan) 3,390 
 
10. John Isner (United States) 3,155.

Serbia's star Novak Djokovic has maintained the No. 1 spot in the men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 8,045 points.

Serbia's star Novak Djokovic has maintained the No. 1 spot in the men's Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released on Monday with 8,045 points. Djokovic snatched the top spot from Spanish tennis great Rafael Nadal after his retirement from the Paris Masters due to abdominal problems. Roger Federer of Switzerland remained world No. 3 ahead of Argentina's Juan Martin del Potro in this week's unchanged rankings. Meanwhile, Argentine Guido Pella jumped seven places up to world No. 58 thanks to his victory at the Uruguay Open on Sunday. The current top-10 ATP rankings and point scores are as follows: 1. Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 8,045 points 2. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 7,480 3. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 6,020 4. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 5,300 5. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,085 6. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 4,310 7. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,050 8. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,895 9. Kei Nishikori (Japan) 3,390 10. John Isner (United States) 3,155.

Novak Djokovic continues to lead ATP rankings

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday.

Wimbledon runner-up Anderson, the first South African to qualify for the season-ender since Wayne Ferreira in 1995, was comfortably the better player in a one-sided first set.

The second set was a much tighter affair with serve dominating but Anderson sneaked a gripping tiebreaker 12-10 on his fourth match point, banging down his 13th ace to open his account in the Lleyton Hewitt group.

Anderson, 32, celebrated by leading the packed crowd in singing 'happy birthday' to his wife Kelsey.

Swiss Roger Federer will begin his quest for a record-extending seventh title at the eight-man season-ender when he faces Japan's Kei Nishikori in the evening session.

The opening action featured two of this year's Grand Slam runners-up but it was Anderson who looked best-equipped to make a big impression alongside the River Thames.

Standing at six foot eight, it would be easy to dismiss him as just a big server but his all-round game was too good for Thiem.

"He's very dangerous. He serves well. I think out of the taller guys, he's playing outstanding from the baseline," Thiem told reporters. "Of course, he can win the title here."

Anderson had lost both his matches against Thiem this year, having won their previous six clashes, and he looked fired up to reassert his dominance over this year's French Open runner-up, clenching his fist regularly after winning points.

He broke serve in the fourth game after a deep service return forced an error from the Austrian and had chances for a double break two games later but Thiem hung in.

Anderson wrapped up the set on serve at 5-3 but Thiem came out striking the ball with more aggression in the second set and improved his serving percentage to such an extent that he conceded only two of 25 points after landing his first delivery.

Thiem could make little impression on the Anderson serve either, though, and the match drifted into a tiebreaker.

The 25-year-old Austrian saved a match point at 5-6 before playing a sensational point to earn a set point of his own, only to then net a forehand off a powerful Anderson first serve.

World number six Anderson earned a second match point and again Thiem responded strongly, saving it with a deft volley.

Anderson fired down an ace to save a second set point and, despite failing to convert a third match point, he would not be denied. There is still time for Thiem but with Federer still to play he faces a third consecutive group phase exit.

The Gustavo Kuerten Group, featuring world number one and tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and American debutant John Isner begins on Monday.

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday.

Kevin Anderson made a winning debut at the ATP Finals with a 6-3, 7-6(10) victory over Austrian Dominic Thiem in the opening singles match at the O2 Arena on Sunday. Wimbledon runner-up Anderson, the first South African to qualify for the season-ender since Wayne Ferreira in 1995, was comfortably the better player in a one-sided first set. The second set was a much tighter affair with serve dominating but Anderson sneaked a gripping tiebreaker 12-10 on his fourth match point, banging down his 13th ace to open his account in the Lleyton Hewitt group. Anderson, 32, celebrated by leading the packed crowd in singing 'happy birthday' to his wife Kelsey. Swiss Roger Federer will begin his quest for a record-extending seventh title at the eight-man season-ender when he faces Japan's Kei Nishikori in the evening session. The opening action featured two of this year's Grand Slam runners-up but it was Anderson who looked best-equipped to make a big impression alongside the River Thames. Standing at six foot eight, it would be easy to dismiss him as just a big server but his all-round game was too good for Thiem. "He's very dangerous. He serves well. I think out of the taller guys, he's playing outstanding from the baseline," Thiem told reporters. "Of course, he can win the title here." Anderson had lost both his matches against Thiem this year, having won their previous six clashes, and he looked fired up to reassert his dominance over this year's French Open runner-up, clenching his fist regularly after winning points. He broke serve in the fourth game after a deep service return forced an error from the Austrian and had chances for a double break two games later but Thiem hung in. Anderson wrapped up the set on serve at 5-3 but Thiem came out striking the ball with more aggression in the second set and improved his serving percentage to such an extent that he conceded only two of 25 points after landing his first delivery. Thiem could make little impression on the Anderson serve either, though, and the match drifted into a tiebreaker. The 25-year-old Austrian saved a match point at 5-6 before playing a sensational point to earn a set point of his own, only to then net a forehand off a powerful Anderson first serve. World number six Anderson earned a second match point and again Thiem responded strongly, saving it with a deft volley. Anderson fired down an ace to save a second set point and, despite failing to convert a third match point, he would not be denied. There is still time for Thiem but with Federer still to play he faces a third consecutive group phase exit. The Gustavo Kuerten Group, featuring world number one and tournament favourite Novak Djokovic, Marin Cilic, Alexander Zverev and American debutant John Isner begins on Monday.

Anderson off to flyer at ATP Finals with win over Thiem

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