Swiss tennis ace <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../federer-stages-great-escape-to-reach-australian- open-semis-277034">Roger Federer</a> is set to face his long time rival Novak Djokovic for the 50th time in the semifinal clash of the Australian Open.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-sets-up-roger-federer-showdown-with-milos-raonic-rout-277095" hreflang="en">Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Federer showdown after Milos Raonic rout</a>

World No 2 Djokovic leads 26-23 in the head-to-head clashes with World No 3 Roger Federer.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2020-dominic-thiem-beats-rafael-nadal-to-enter-semi-finals-277380" hreflang="en">Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals</a>

The defending champion Novak Djokovic will be looking forward to win his 8th Australian Open title and stop Roger Federer's hopes to win 21 Grand Slam.&nbsp;

The Swiss Maestro won a hard-fought quarterfinals match against the 100th-ranked Tennys &nbsp;Sandgren on Tuesday at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;

The 38-year-old came back from a near defeat against the American. The scores were &nbsp;6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 (8) 6-3.&nbsp;

Federer had skipped his practice session on Wednesday as he developed a groin issue during his tough quarterfinals match. He asked for a medical timeout twice during the game.

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He said that not playing on Wednesday would help him recover a bit against the 7-time Australian Open champion.&nbsp;

Serbia's Djokovic respected Federer for his fighting spirit, he said: "I mean, he never gives up. When it matters the most, he's focused and he plays his best tennis. He's a great fighter."

"What he did was amazing, he showed me he's one of the best players of all time," added Djokovic.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic defeated Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) in the quarterfinals match to reach the semifinals.&nbsp;

Match will take place at Rod-Laver Arena at 2:00 PM (IST).&nbsp;

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer is set to face his long time rival Novak Djokovic for the 50th time in the semifinal clash of the Australian Open. Also read: Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Federer showdown after Milos Raonic rout World No 2 Djokovic leads 26-23 in the head-to-head clashes with World No 3 Roger Federer.

Swiss tennis ace Roger Federer is set to face his long time rival Novak Djokovic for the 50th time in the semifinal clash of the Australian Open. Also read: Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Federer showdown after Milos Raonic rout World No 2 Djokovic leads 26-23 in the head-to-head clashes with World No 3 Roger Federer. Also read: Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals The defending champion Novak Djokovic will be looking forward to win his 8th Australian Open title and stop Roger Federer's hopes to win 21 Grand Slam. The Swiss Maestro won a hard-fought quarterfinals match against the 100th-ranked Tennys Sandgren on Tuesday at Melbourne Park. The 38-year-old came back from a near defeat against the American. The scores were 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6 (8) 6-3. Federer had skipped his practice session on Wednesday as he developed a groin issue during his tough quarterfinals match. He asked for a medical timeout twice during the game. × He said that not playing on Wednesday would help him recover a bit against the 7-time Australian Open champion. Serbia's Djokovic respected Federer for his fighting spirit, he said: "I mean, he never gives up. When it matters the most, he's focused and he plays his best tennis. He's a great fighter." "What he did was amazing, he showed me he's one of the best players of all time," added Djokovic. Novak Djokovic defeated Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) in the quarterfinals match to reach the semifinals. Match will take place at Rod-Laver Arena at 2:00 PM (IST).

Australian Open: Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to spar for 50th time in star-studded semifinal clash

Defending champion Novak Djokovic easily beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-2020-dominic-thiem-beats-rafael-nadal-to-enter-semi-finals-277380">Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals</a>

Djokovic beat Federer in straight sets 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 6-3 to enter the finals of the tournament.

Djokovic kept Federer at bay throughout the match and although served lesser aces than the Swiss (15 against 11), the Serb held on to win the match effortlessly in the end.

Djokovic broke Federer on four occasions to clinch the three sets even as Federer failed to keep pace with the Serbian champion.

"It's never easy to play Roger. I mean, obviously he was hurting. You could see it in his movement. Respect to him for trying his best," Djokovic said after winning the match.

"After losing the first set, he got a medical (timeout). He came back and played all the way through. It's unfortunate that he was not at his best," the defending champion said.

This was the duo's fiftieth&nbsp;clash. Federer, 38, had beaten 100th-ranked Tennys Sandgren on Tuesday at Melbourne Park to set up a clash against Djokovic.

"Today was horrible, to go through what I did. Nice entrance, nice sendoff, and in between is one to forget because you know you have a three per cent chance to win,"&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

"It's frustrating. (But) I don't think I would have gone on court if I felt like I had no chance to win. We saw I was still being able to make a match out of it," he added.&nbsp;

Seven-time Australian Open champion Djokovic who has been in fine form had beaten Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) in the quarter-finals.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic easily beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Thursday. Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals Djokovic beat Federer in straight sets 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 6-3 to enter the finals of the tournament.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic easily beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals of the Australian Open on Thursday. Australian Open 2020: Dominic Thiem beats Rafael Nadal to enter semi-finals Djokovic beat Federer in straight sets 7-6(7-1), 6-4, 6-3 to enter the finals of the tournament. Djokovic kept Federer at bay throughout the match and although served lesser aces than the Swiss (15 against 11), the Serb held on to win the match effortlessly in the end. Djokovic broke Federer on four occasions to clinch the three sets even as Federer failed to keep pace with the Serbian champion. "It's never easy to play Roger. I mean, obviously he was hurting. You could see it in his movement. Respect to him for trying his best," Djokovic said after winning the match. "After losing the first set, he got a medical (timeout). He came back and played all the way through. It's unfortunate that he was not at his best," the defending champion said. This was the duo's fiftieth clash. Federer, 38, had beaten 100th-ranked Tennys Sandgren on Tuesday at Melbourne Park to set up a clash against Djokovic. "Today was horrible, to go through what I did. Nice entrance, nice sendoff, and in between is one to forget because you know you have a three per cent chance to win," Federer said. "It's frustrating. (But) I don't think I would have gone on court if I felt like I had no chance to win. We saw I was still being able to make a match out of it," he added. Seven-time Australian Open champion Djokovic who has been in fine form had beaten Milos Raonic 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (7/1) in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic overpowers Federer to enter Australian Open final

Defending champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/defending-champion-djokovic-breezes-into-quarter-finals-276626">Novak Djokovic </a>set up a semi-final showdown with 'Big Three' rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-stages-great-escape-to-reach-australian-open-semis-277034">Roger Federer</a> at the Australian Open on Tuesday with a thumping 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) victory over Canada's hapless <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-raonic-withdraws-from-canadas-davis-cup-team-261552">Milos Raonic</a>.

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Serbian sensation 🇷🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> def. Milos Raonic 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) to advance to his eighth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> semifinal, where he will meet Roger Federer for the 50th time. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/ElT6H9jDAE">pic.twitter.com/ElT6H9jDAE</a>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-stages-great-escape-to-reach-australian-open-semis-277034">Federer</a> had saved seven match points in a five-set thriller with American battler <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-stages-great-escape-to-reach-australian-open-semis-277034">Tennys Sandgren</a> only hours before but there was no such luck of a second successive belter for the fans at Rod Laver Arena, with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/defending-champion-djokovic-breezes-into-quarter-finals-276626">Djokovic</a> at his ruthless best.

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Federer finds a way 🇨🇭<a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> saves seven match points to def. Tennys Sandgren 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6(8) 6-3 and reach the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> semifinals for the 15th time.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/B3Biy3q1Ez">pic.twitter.com/B3Biy3q1Ez</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1222064026081013762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The crowd will hope for a better show on Thursday, when second seed Djokovic renews his Grand Slam rivalry with Federer, six months after fighting off match points to beat the Swiss in Wimbledon's longest ever final.

"I hope I get to at least one match point in a few days," Djokovic, who hold a 26-23 edge over Federer, quipped on court after downing Raonic.

"Obviously (I have) tremendous respect for Roger, everything he has achieved in the sport -- definitely one of the all-time greats.

"Let the better player win."

The floodlit match with&nbsp;Raonic, one of the tour's most vexing servers, against one of its most brilliant returners had promised, at the least, an intriguing clash of styles.

Yet, barring a third set lull for Djokovic as he struggled with his contact lenses, it was a stroll for the second seeded Serb who dismantled the Canadian's power game to book the eighth semi-final at his Melbourne Park fortress.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic set up a semi-final showdown with 'Big Three' rival Roger Federer at the Australian Open on Tuesday with a thumping 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) victory over Canada's hapless Milos Raonic.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic set up a semi-final showdown with 'Big Three' rival Roger Federer at the Australian Open on Tuesday with a thumping 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) victory over Canada's hapless Milos Raonic. Serbian sensation 🇷🇸@DjokerNole def. Milos Raonic 6-4 6-3 7-6(1) to advance to his eighth #AusOpen semifinal, where he will meet Roger Federer for the 50th time. #AO2020 pic.twitter.com/ElT6H9jDAE — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2020 × Federer had saved seven match points in a five-set thriller with American battler Tennys Sandgren only hours before but there was no such luck of a second successive belter for the fans at Rod Laver Arena, with Djokovic at his ruthless best. Federer finds a way 🇨🇭@rogerfederer saves seven match points to def. Tennys Sandgren 6-3 2-6 2-6 7-6(8) 6-3 and reach the #AusOpen semifinals for the 15th time.#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/B3Biy3q1Ez — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2020 × The crowd will hope for a better show on Thursday, when second seed Djokovic renews his Grand Slam rivalry with Federer, six months after fighting off match points to beat the Swiss in Wimbledon's longest ever final. "I hope I get to at least one match point in a few days," Djokovic, who hold a 26-23 edge over Federer, quipped on court after downing Raonic. "Obviously (I have) tremendous respect for Roger, everything he has achieved in the sport -- definitely one of the all-time greats. "Let the better player win." The floodlit match with Raonic, one of the tour's most vexing servers, against one of its most brilliant returners had promised, at the least, an intriguing clash of styles. Yet, barring a third set lull for Djokovic as he struggled with his contact lenses, it was a stroll for the second seeded Serb who dismantled the Canadian's power game to book the eighth semi-final at his Melbourne Park fortress.

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic sets up Federer showdown after Milos Raonic rout

Novak Djokovic continued his imperious progress through the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-nadal-djokovic-and-federer-go-through-first-round-rain-plays-spoil-spot-275705">Australian Open</a> draw on Sunday, negotiating a potentially tricky encounter with Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-4 6-4 to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the 11th time.

The seven-times champion only added to a strong feeling around the tournament that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-djokovics-serbia-beats-nadals-spain-to-lift-the-cup-273966">the Serbian</a> is again the man to beat at the year's first Grand Slam as he ousted the Argentine in just over two hours on Rod Laver Arena.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-power-serve-sends-djokovic-into-aussie-open-round-three-275903">New power serve sends Djokovic into Aussie Open round three</a>

<img alt="Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman in action" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8251b609-a481-422b-b551-cc7b8f8b22d3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2894%29.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman in action during his match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (Courtesy: Reuters) ]

The defending champion broke for 5-3 and served out for the opening set before grabbing early breaks in the next two stanzas and successfully resisting Schwartzman's attempts to get back on terms.

The 32-year-old second seed wrapped up the contest by serving out to love and moves on to a quarter-final meeting with Milos Raonic, who he has beaten in all nine of their previous meetings.

Novak Djokovic continued his imperious progress through the Australian Open draw on Sunday, negotiating a potentially tricky encounter with Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-4 6-4 to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the 11th time.

Novak Djokovic continued his imperious progress through the Australian Open draw on Sunday, negotiating a potentially tricky encounter with Diego Schwartzman 6-3 6-4 6-4 to reach the last eight at Melbourne Park for the 11th time. The seven-times champion only added to a strong feeling around the tournament that the Serbian is again the man to beat at the year's first Grand Slam as he ousted the Argentine in just over two hours on Rod Laver Arena. Also Read: New power serve sends Djokovic into Aussie Open round three [ Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman in action during his match against Serbia’s Novak Djokovic (Courtesy: Reuters) ] The defending champion broke for 5-3 and served out for the opening set before grabbing early breaks in the next two stanzas and successfully resisting Schwartzman's attempts to get back on terms. The 32-year-old second seed wrapped up the contest by serving out to love and moves on to a quarter-final meeting with Milos Raonic, who he has beaten in all nine of their previous meetings.

Defending champion Djokovic breezes into quarter-finals

Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started.&nbsp;

World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson. The play was interrupted by rain but the play resumed and Federer in a breathtaking display beat the American 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.&nbsp;

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ICYMI 6-time champ <a href="https://twitter.com/rogerfederer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rogerfederer</a> kicked off his 22nd consecutive <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> campaign with a speedy 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory 
 
Match report 👉<a href="https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx">https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/b4xY8zjvFq">pic.twitter.com/b4xY8zjvFq</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219277149938438144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Swiss continued his streak of being unbeaten in the first round in Melbourne (21-0).&nbsp;

World No 2 Novak Djokovic survived a minor scare against Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday night. He beat Struff 7-6 (5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena to begin his journey for eight Australian Open title. The defending champion has become the sixth man to win 900 tour-level matches.

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Green means GO. 
 
Bidding for a record-extending eighth <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> title, <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> recorded the 900th tour-level victory of his career with a 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 6-1 win over Jan-Lennard Struff on Day 1 👏 
 
Match report 👉 <a href="https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8">https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8</a> <a href="https://t.co/7MeHxqnwAS">pic.twitter.com/7MeHxqnwAS</a>
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On Tuesday, the weather is predicted to be clear and sunny. The matches are predicted to get through in the afternoon.

World No 1 Rafael Nadal started his campaign after displaying his dominance over Bolivia's Hugo Dellien. The Spaniard moved a step closer to his 20th Grand Slam after beating Hugo 6-2, 6-3, 6-0.

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The mentality of a legend 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/IeQxpbmXXk">pic.twitter.com/IeQxpbmXXk</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219516577306927104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Nadal will face the winner of Argentine Federico Delbonis and Portuguese Joao Sousa in the next round.&nbsp;

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Rafa Rolls 🏃‍♂️<a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> fends off a valiant effort from Dellien and slams the door 6-2 6-3 6-0.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2020</a> |<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/s5svPwjzFE">pic.twitter.com/s5svPwjzFE</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1219496114275213312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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His fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta battled past Slovakian Jozef Kovalik 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(2), the match went on for two hours and 37 minutes. World No 27 smashed 41 winners to proceed to the next round.

Weather Forcast on Wednesday and Thursday is scaring as heavy showers are predicted in Melbourne. Play suspension could spoil the highly anticipated Grand Slam.&nbsp;

Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started. World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson.

Australian Open was hit on Monday by morning showers which suspended the play just hours after they were started. World No 3 Roger Federer was dominant in the first round as he beat World No 75 Steve Johnson. The play was interrupted by rain but the play resumed and Federer in a breathtaking display beat the American 6-3, 6-2, 6-2. ICYMI 6-time champ @rogerfederer kicked off his 22nd consecutive #AusOpen campaign with a speedy 6-3 6-2 6-2 victory Match report 👉https://t.co/CSdsXRRCCx#AO2020 pic.twitter.com/b4xY8zjvFq — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020 × The Swiss continued his streak of being unbeaten in the first round in Melbourne (21-0). World No 2 Novak Djokovic survived a minor scare against Jan-Lennard Struff on Monday night. He beat Struff 7-6 (5), 6-2, 2-6, 6-1 at Rod Laver Arena to begin his journey for eight Australian Open title. The defending champion has become the sixth man to win 900 tour-level matches. Green means GO. Bidding for a record-extending eighth #AusOpen title, @DjokerNole recorded the 900th tour-level victory of his career with a 7-6(5) 6-2 2-6 6-1 win over Jan-Lennard Struff on Day 1 👏 Match report 👉 https://t.co/sLA4SG8gp8 pic.twitter.com/7MeHxqnwAS — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 20, 2020 × On Tuesday, the weather is predicted to be clear and sunny. The matches are predicted to get through in the afternoon. World No 1 Rafael Nadal started his campaign after displaying his dominance over Bolivia's Hugo Dellien. The Spaniard moved a step closer to his 20th Grand Slam after beating Hugo 6-2, 6-3, 6-0. The mentality of a legend 💯#AO2020 | #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/IeQxpbmXXk — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2020 × Nadal will face the winner of Argentine Federico Delbonis and Portuguese Joao Sousa in the next round. Rafa Rolls 🏃‍♂️@RafaelNadal fends off a valiant effort from Dellien and slams the door 6-2 6-3 6-0.#AO2020 |#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/s5svPwjzFE — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 21, 2020 × His fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta battled past Slovakian Jozef Kovalik 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(2), the match went on for two hours and 37 minutes. World No 27 smashed 41 winners to proceed to the next round. Weather Forcast on Wednesday and Thursday is scaring as heavy showers are predicted in Melbourne. Play suspension could spoil the highly anticipated Grand Slam.

Australian Open: Nadal, Djokovic, and Federer go through first round, rain plays spoil spot

Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts. &nbsp;

Also see-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-federer-and-williams-lead-way-to-raise-funds-for-relief-workers-in-australia-273899">Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires</a>

Nadal announced about the donations in&nbsp;the "Rally for Relief" event in Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena.&nbsp;

Also see-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-hazardous-air-condition-causes-troubles-to-players-in-the-qualifiers-274250">Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze</a>

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"Talking with Roger, we decided to give $250,000 together." 👏 👏 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rally4Relief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rally4Relief</a> 
 
To contribute: <a href="https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB">https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB</a> <a href="https://t.co/ocdiw8D0if">pic.twitter.com/ocdiw8D0if</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1217378578188447745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Twenty-three times Serena Williams and Australian Open&nbsp;defending champion Novak Djokovic also took part in the event.

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-bushfire-shane-warnes-baggy-green-cap-sold-for-over-a1-million-273347">Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman</a>

Rafa Nadal, after the exhibition match, said: "Hopefully that will keep inspiring the people to support this terrible disaster that we’re going through and helps to recover all the things that we need,”.

Australia is experiencing one of its worst bushfire seasons in decades, with fires killing more than 28 people and destroying at least 2000 homes. Wildlife in&nbsp;Australia in the worst hit, nearly half a billion animals have perished in the bushfires.

&nbsp;

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Australian Open's qualifiers were disrupted for the second successive day because of the thick grey hazy in the morning due to the smoke of the bushfire. This was followed by smog-clearing rain.

The ATP &nbsp;pledged A$750,000 to the WWF Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts the as announced by Novak Djokovic and Nadal.

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Thank you <a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DjokerNole</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/RafaelNadal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RafaelNadal</a> for your generous donation of $750,000 to World Wildlife Fund 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/roB1yMZy94">pic.twitter.com/roB1yMZy94</a>
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Serena Williams had pledged to donate all of her winning amounts after she won the Auckland Open. She won $43,000

The 24-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios has pledged A$200 for every ace he hits this month. Nick Kyrgios hit the most aces (69) in the ATP cup.&nbsp;

The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year. The tournament will be played between January 20 to February 2.

Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts.

Ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne, world no-1 Rafael Nadal and world no-3 Roger Federer pledged A$250,000 towards the Australian bushfire relief efforts. Also see- Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires Nadal announced about the donations in the "Rally for Relief" event in Melbourne Park's Rod Laver Arena. Also see- Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze "Talking with Roger, we decided to give $250,000 together." 👏 👏 👏 👏#Rally4Relief To contribute: https://t.co/9RPgZ7cBoB pic.twitter.com/ocdiw8D0if — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 15, 2020 × Twenty-three times Serena Williams and Australian Open defending champion Novak Djokovic also took part in the event. Also read- Australian bushfire: Shane Warne's baggy green cap sold for over A$1 million; beats Dhoni, Bradman Rafa Nadal, after the exhibition match, said: "Hopefully that will keep inspiring the people to support this terrible disaster that we’re going through and helps to recover all the things that we need,”. Australia is experiencing one of its worst bushfire seasons in decades, with fires killing more than 28 people and destroying at least 2000 homes. Wildlife in Australia in the worst hit, nearly half a billion animals have perished in the bushfires. × Australian Open's qualifiers were disrupted for the second successive day because of the thick grey hazy in the morning due to the smoke of the bushfire. This was followed by smog-clearing rain. The ATP pledged A$750,000 to the WWF Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts the as announced by Novak Djokovic and Nadal. Thank you @atptour, @DjokerNole and @RafaelNadal for your generous donation of $750,000 to World Wildlife Fund 🙏#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/roB1yMZy94 — Tennis TV (@TennisTV) January 12, 2020 × Serena Williams had pledged to donate all of her winning amounts after she won the Auckland Open. She won $43,000 The 24-year-old Australian Nick Kyrgios has pledged A$200 for every ace he hits this month. Nick Kyrgios hit the most aces (69) in the ATP cup. The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of the year. The tournament will be played between January 20 to February 2.

Australian Open: Nadal, Federer pledge A$250,000 towards bushfire relief

The year's first Grand Slam started with a sheet of haze and smoke that covered Melbourne due to the&nbsp;Australian bushfires.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-federer-and-williams-lead-way-to-raise-funds-for-relief-workers-in-australia-273899">Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires</a>

Australia Open qualifying matches were delayed due to Hazardous Air conditions. But Craig Tiley (director of the Tournament) has defended the decision to proceed with the qualifiers.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> practice was temporarily suspended this morning due to poor air quality. 
&nbsp; 
Qualifying matches will begin at 11am. 
&nbsp; 
Conditions onsite are improving and we are monitoring them constantly.
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1216851169508646913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A player collapsed in a coughing fit and retired from the Australian Open qualifying on Tuesday as&nbsp;organizers faced criticism over the&nbsp;matches going ahead despite Melbourne's air quality to "hazardous" levels due to the bushfires.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/celebrities-crickets-raise-money-to-help-rescue-australia-bushfire-victims-273990">Global icons raise money to help rescue Australia bushfire victims</a>

Slovenia's Dalila Jakupovic was leading against Swiss player Stefanie Vogele (6-4 5-6) at Melbourne Park Arena, Melbourne when she collapsed on her knees on the blue hardcourt.&nbsp;She was seen fighting for breath.

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Saying everybody to stay inside and keep the schedule !? Very Well done!!! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hopesheisfine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hopesheisfine</a>... <a href="https://t.co/hzDFB8DYgZ">pic.twitter.com/hzDFB8DYgZ</a>
— steve darcis (@stevedarcishark) <a href="https://twitter.com/stevedarcishark/status/1216929271886860288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The raging Australian bushfires have claimed 28 lives and destroyed nearly 11.2 million hectares of land.&nbsp;

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Victoria state's environment watchdogs have also flashed pollution warnings and have asked the citizens to stay indoors.&nbsp;

Bushfire smoke has affected several sports involving soccer, rugby league&nbsp;and cricket with&nbsp;pollution leading to&nbsp;safety fears at the Australian Open.

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Authorities expect the smoke to stay until Wednesday when showers in the afternoon are forecast.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at- australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">Novak Djokovic</a> expressed concern earlier this month that bushfire smoke might cause health problems for players. Maria Sharapova and&nbsp;Laura Siegemund's matchup was abandoned due to smoke. Maria Sharapova called off the match as she was unable to bear the heat and the smoke.

Tournament organizers last week said that play will be confined to indoor stadiums if the air quality deteriorates.

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Why do we need to wait for something bad to happen to do an action 🤷🏼‍♀️🥵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melbourne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melbourne</a> <a href="https://t.co/bYpXyQAfKe">pic.twitter.com/bYpXyQAfKe</a>
— Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina/status/1216944323004190720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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A professional tennis Mandy Minella who hails from Luxembourg is competing for the qualifiers took to Twitter to express her concerns to the authorities.

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Shocked to see that qualifying matches have started <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> 
What about the health of all the people that have to work out there, especially the ballkids? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wherearethelimits?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wherearethelimits</a>? <a href="https://t.co/2oldEptT2g">pic.twitter.com/2oldEptT2g</a>
— mandy minella (@mandyminella) <a href="https://twitter.com/mandyminella/status/1216879106349924354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Australian Open is scheduled to be played between January 20 to February 2.&nbsp;

The year's first Grand Slam started with a sheet of haze and smoke that covered Melbourne due to the Australian bushfires. Also read: Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires Australia Open qualifying matches were delayed due to Hazardous Air conditions.

The year's first Grand Slam started with a sheet of haze and smoke that covered Melbourne due to the Australian bushfires. Also read: Tennis: Federer, Williams lead way to raise funds for workers in Australia bushfires Australia Open qualifying matches were delayed due to Hazardous Air conditions. But Craig Tiley (director of the Tournament) has defended the decision to proceed with the qualifiers. #AusOpen practice was temporarily suspended this morning due to poor air quality. Qualifying matches will begin at 11am. Conditions onsite are improving and we are monitoring them constantly. — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 13, 2020 × A player collapsed in a coughing fit and retired from the Australian Open qualifying on Tuesday as organizers faced criticism over the matches going ahead despite Melbourne's air quality to "hazardous" levels due to the bushfires. In pics: Global icons raise money to help rescue Australia bushfire victims Slovenia's Dalila Jakupovic was leading against Swiss player Stefanie Vogele (6-4 5-6) at Melbourne Park Arena, Melbourne when she collapsed on her knees on the blue hardcourt. She was seen fighting for breath. Saying everybody to stay inside and keep the schedule !? Very Well done!!! #hopesheisfine... pic.twitter.com/hzDFB8DYgZ — steve darcis (@stevedarcishark) January 14, 2020 × The raging Australian bushfires have claimed 28 lives and destroyed nearly 11.2 million hectares of land. × Victoria state's environment watchdogs have also flashed pollution warnings and have asked the citizens to stay indoors. Bushfire smoke has affected several sports involving soccer, rugby league and cricket with pollution leading to safety fears at the Australian Open. × Authorities expect the smoke to stay until Wednesday when showers in the afternoon are forecast. Novak Djokovic expressed concern earlier this month that bushfire smoke might cause health problems for players. Maria Sharapova and Laura Siegemund's matchup was abandoned due to smoke. Maria Sharapova called off the match as she was unable to bear the heat and the smoke. Tournament organizers last week said that play will be confined to indoor stadiums if the air quality deteriorates. Why do we need to wait for something bad to happen to do an action 🤷🏼‍♀️🥵 #Melbourne pic.twitter.com/bYpXyQAfKe — Elina Svitolina (@ElinaSvitolina) January 14, 2020 × A professional tennis Mandy Minella who hails from Luxembourg is competing for the qualifiers took to Twitter to express her concerns to the authorities. Shocked to see that qualifying matches have started @AustralianOpen What about the health of all the people that have to work out there, especially the ballkids? #wherearethelimits? pic.twitter.com/2oldEptT2g — mandy minella (@mandyminella) January 14, 2020 × The Australian Open is scheduled to be played between January 20 to February 2.

Australian Open: Hazardous air condition delays matches, restarts amid haze

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../djokovic-sweeps-past-nadal-in-atp-cup-final- 273816">Djokovic</a>'s Serbia came from behind to defeat Nadal's Spain to lift the prestigious ATP cup in the Rosewell Arena, Sydney.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at-australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze</a>

Roberto Bautista handed a straight-set defeat to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../nadals-spain-to-meet-djokovics-serbia-in-atp- cup-final-273650">Dusan Lajovic</a> (7-5, 6-1) in the first match of the tie. Spain lead by 1-0 over Serbia.

Scores tied after Novak Djokovic returned the favour by defeating Rafael Nadal (6-2, 7-6) in the most anticipated match of the evening. &nbsp;

As a tie-breaker, the doubles team clashed with each other. Serbia's Djokovic and Victor Troicki faced Spain's Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Carreno-Busta. Team Serbia beat Team Spain in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to win the cup.&nbsp;

The winning team got $15,000,000 as a cash prize.

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Welcome to the HISTORY books! 
 
Hoist that 🏆 high, 🇷🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamSerbia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamSerbia</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/f81tbbCQdL">pic.twitter.com/f81tbbCQdL</a>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216368145096679425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Serbia defeated Russia and Spain defeated Australia 3-0 to reach the finals.&nbsp;

Spain neared a knockout in the Quarters against Belgium when World number 7 David Goffin had defeated World number 1. But they avoided an upset when they won the tie-breaker doubles match.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-belguims-david-goffin-keeps-hope-alive-after-shocker-against-spains-rafael-nadal-273449">ATP: Belguim's David Goffin keeps hope alive after shocker against Spain's Rafael Nadal</a>

24 countries took part in this competition that lasted 10 days. Fans across the three cities of Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney were entertained.&nbsp;

ATP had promised A$100 per ace in the tournament and a total of 1,322 aces were served in the cup. so a total of A$132,200 were donated to Tennis Australia’s Aces for Bushfire Relief initiative. Nick Kyrgios served most number (69) of aces in tournament. &nbsp;

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Drumroll, please! 🥁 
 
After 32 aces were hit on Day 10, our grand total for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> is 1,322. This means $132,200 was raised for&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/RedCrossAU?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@redcrossau</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Aces4BushfireRelief?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Aces4BushfireRelief</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/FMivFRWBUg">pic.twitter.com/FMivFRWBUg</a>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216434671212539910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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ATP players donated A$725,000 to WWF’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund.

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A big <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a> announcement! ❤️<a href="https://twitter.com/atptour?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@atptour</a> players have made a $725,000 donation to <a href="https://twitter.com/WWF_Australia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WWF_Australia</a> and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. <a href="https://t.co/dkJGYLxyU6">pic.twitter.com/dkJGYLxyU6</a>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1216372120403529728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Djokovic's Serbia came from behind to defeat Nadal's Spain to lift the prestigious ATP cup in the Rosewell Arena, Sydney. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze Roberto Bautista handed a straight-set defeat to Dusan Lajovic (7-5, 6-1) in the first match of the tie.

Djokovic's Serbia came from behind to defeat Nadal's Spain to lift the prestigious ATP cup in the Rosewell Arena, Sydney. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze Roberto Bautista handed a straight-set defeat to Dusan Lajovic (7-5, 6-1) in the first match of the tie. Spain lead by 1-0 over Serbia. Scores tied after Novak Djokovic returned the favour by defeating Rafael Nadal (6-2, 7-6) in the most anticipated match of the evening. As a tie-breaker, the doubles team clashed with each other. Serbia's Djokovic and Victor Troicki faced Spain's Feliciano Lopez and Pablo Carreno-Busta. Team Serbia beat Team Spain in straight sets 6-3, 6-4 to win the cup. The winning team got $15,000,000 as a cash prize. Welcome to the HISTORY books! Hoist that 🏆 high, 🇷🇸 #TeamSerbia#ATPCup pic.twitter.com/f81tbbCQdL — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 × Serbia defeated Russia and Spain defeated Australia 3-0 to reach the finals. Spain neared a knockout in the Quarters against Belgium when World number 7 David Goffin had defeated World number 1. But they avoided an upset when they won the tie-breaker doubles match. Also read: ATP: Belguim's David Goffin keeps hope alive after shocker against Spain's Rafael Nadal 24 countries took part in this competition that lasted 10 days. Fans across the three cities of Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney were entertained. ATP had promised A$100 per ace in the tournament and a total of 1,322 aces were served in the cup. so a total of A$132,200 were donated to Tennis Australia’s Aces for Bushfire Relief initiative. Nick Kyrgios served most number (69) of aces in tournament. Drumroll, please! 🥁 After 32 aces were hit on Day 10, our grand total for the #ATPCup is 1,322. This means $132,200 was raised for @redcrossau.#Aces4BushfireRelief | #ATPCup pic.twitter.com/FMivFRWBUg — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 × ATP players donated A$725,000 to WWF’s Australian Wildlife and Nature Recovery Fund. A big #ATPCup announcement! ❤️@atptour players have made a $725,000 donation to @WWF_Australia and Nature Recovery Fund as part of the bushfire relief efforts. pic.twitter.com/dkJGYLxyU6 — ATPCup (@ATPCup) January 12, 2020 ×

ATP: Djokovic's Serbia beats Nadal's Spain to lift the cup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-belguims-david-goffin-keeps-hope-alive- after-shocker-against-spains-rafael-nadal-273449">Rafael Nadal</a> and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider.

World number one Nadal ground down pumped-up Australian Alex de Minaur to guide the Davis Cup champions through their semi-final while Djokovic battled past Russia's Daniil Medvedev.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at-australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze</a>

Under the format of the innovative team event in Sydney, the top-ranked singles players from each country play each other, ensuring the two legends clash for a 55th time since their first showdown in 2006.

World number two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup -and-davis-cup-271915">Djokovic</a> leads the head-to-heads 28-26, including beating his arch-rival in the Australian Open final last year.

Nadal outlasted De Minaur 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after unflappable teammate Roberto Bautista Agut tamed Nick Kyrgios 6-1, 6-4.

Djokovic had an equally tough time against impressive fifth-ranked Medvedev, coming through a top-draw contest 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 on the back of Dusan Lajovic beating Karen Khachanov 7-5, 7-6 (7/1).

"Alex was playing at a very high level and for me my energy was a little bit lower than usual. But it has been a very emotional evening and a pleasure playing here," said Nadal.

"We know it's going to be a super tough final (against Serbia)," he added. "Novak likes a lot to play here, he's had a lot of great results. So let's see. We have a good team too."

De Minaur had a furious start, breaking Nadal in the opening game of the match and then keeping the pressure on, restricting the Spaniard's trademark forehand to take the first set in 46 minutes.

Full of energy, his serve was on fire and he was winning the baseline rallies, but Nadal weathered the onslaught and finally won a break point, converting to take the second set.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../australia-oust-britain-in-knife-edge-atp-cup- quarter-final-273204">De Minaur</a> was deflated and the fight went out of him as the 19-time Grand Slam showed him who was boss, racing through the deciding set.

Unassuming world number 10 Bautista Agut was in control and all over the groundstrokes of temperamental Kyrgios, who looked lost as he crashed 6-1 in the first set.

The Australian regained some lustre in the second set. But he was broken in the fifth game, mangling his racquet in frustration, and despite saving two match points with booming aces was outplayed.

"My game plan was to put him under pressure to play every point, to make him work. That's what I tried and it went well," said Bautista Agut.

- Exceptional - 
Sixteen-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who is targeting an eighth Australian Open title this month, had looked on track for a comfortable win against Medvedev after sailing through the opening set and breaking in the first game of the second.

But the dogged Russian, who won their last two encounters, roared back.

He broke in the next game and then again for 3-1, with Djokovic smashing his racquet as Medvedev took the set to level the match.

A third set of long, high-quality rallies went with serve until Djokovic got the crucial edge in the fifth game, converting a volley to go 3-2 in front and Medvedev had no answer.

"It was an exceptional match. Lots of rallies and very exhausting. Daniil Medvedev is one of the best players in the world and he showed today why," said Djokovic.

"He's difficult to break from the baseline, he's tall and has a good serve. This was the most difficult challenge I have had so far this year."

Lajovic, who won his first ATP title last year at Umag, took a 2-0 record into his showdown with world number 17 Khachanov and produced a performance that belied his ranking of 34, displaying composure and a fine array of shots.

"It was definitely one of the toughest matches for me in my career, concerning the situation, the tension and the importance of the moment," he said. "But the crowd carried me." &nbsp; &nbsp;

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider.

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will face each other in the final of the inaugural ATP Cup after winning epic three-set matches Saturday to steer Spain and Serbia into the decider. World number one Nadal ground down pumped-up Australian Alex de Minaur to guide the Davis Cup champions through their semi-final while Djokovic battled past Russia's Daniil Medvedev. Also read: ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze Under the format of the innovative team event in Sydney, the top-ranked singles players from each country play each other, ensuring the two legends clash for a 55th time since their first showdown in 2006. World number two Djokovic leads the head-to-heads 28-26, including beating his arch-rival in the Australian Open final last year. Nadal outlasted De Minaur 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 after unflappable teammate Roberto Bautista Agut tamed Nick Kyrgios 6-1, 6-4. Djokovic had an equally tough time against impressive fifth-ranked Medvedev, coming through a top-draw contest 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 on the back of Dusan Lajovic beating Karen Khachanov 7-5, 7-6 (7/1). "Alex was playing at a very high level and for me my energy was a little bit lower than usual. But it has been a very emotional evening and a pleasure playing here," said Nadal. "We know it's going to be a super tough final (against Serbia)," he added. "Novak likes a lot to play here, he's had a lot of great results. So let's see. We have a good team too." De Minaur had a furious start, breaking Nadal in the opening game of the match and then keeping the pressure on, restricting the Spaniard's trademark forehand to take the first set in 46 minutes. Full of energy, his serve was on fire and he was winning the baseline rallies, but Nadal weathered the onslaught and finally won a break point, converting to take the second set. De Minaur was deflated and the fight went out of him as the 19-time Grand Slam showed him who was boss, racing through the deciding set. Unassuming world number 10 Bautista Agut was in control and all over the groundstrokes of temperamental Kyrgios, who looked lost as he crashed 6-1 in the first set. The Australian regained some lustre in the second set. But he was broken in the fifth game, mangling his racquet in frustration, and despite saving two match points with booming aces was outplayed. "My game plan was to put him under pressure to play every point, to make him work. That's what I tried and it went well," said Bautista Agut. - Exceptional - Sixteen-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic, who is targeting an eighth Australian Open title this month, had looked on track for a comfortable win against Medvedev after sailing through the opening set and breaking in the first game of the second. But the dogged Russian, who won their last two encounters, roared back. He broke in the next game and then again for 3-1, with Djokovic smashing his racquet as Medvedev took the set to level the match. A third set of long, high-quality rallies went with serve until Djokovic got the crucial edge in the fifth game, converting a volley to go 3-2 in front and Medvedev had no answer. "It was an exceptional match. Lots of rallies and very exhausting. Daniil Medvedev is one of the best players in the world and he showed today why," said Djokovic. "He's difficult to break from the baseline, he's tall and has a good serve. This was the most difficult challenge I have had so far this year." Lajovic, who won his first ATP title last year at Umag, took a 2-0 record into his showdown with world number 17 Khachanov and produced a performance that belied his ranking of 34, displaying composure and a fine array of shots. "It was definitely one of the toughest matches for me in my career, concerning the situation, the tension and the importance of the moment," he said. "But the crowd carried me."

Nadal's Spain to meet Djokovic's Serbia in ATP Cup final

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-novak-djokovic-concerned-about-smoke-at-australian-open-as-bushfires-continue-to-blaze-272187">Novak Djokovic</a> braved extreme humidity to beat tricky French opponent Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 and later helped Serbia win the doubles as they progressed at the inaugural&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Cup team event in Brisbane on Monday.

Spain's world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888">Rafa Nadal</a> was also in punishing mood ahead of this month's Australian Open as he dismantled Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas 6-2 6-1 in Perth to seal their tie.

Roberto Bautista Agut had given the Spaniards the lead after an equally one-sided 6-1 6-2 win over Franco Roncadelli in the $15 million&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Cup, which features 24 nations competing in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney over 10 days.

Djokovic had a 15-0 head-to-head record against Monfils before Monday's clash and, after surviving an initial onslaught from his opponent, made sure the record remained blemish free.

The Serb saved nine break points while converting the three he had against Monfils, who finished 2019 in the top 10, to square the tie after the temperamental Benoit Paire had given France the lead by overcoming Dusan Lajovic 6-2 6-7(6) 6-4.

"It was definitely one of the most humid conditions I have ever had in my career," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-guides-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals-263723">Djokovic</a> said in a courtside interview. "I mean, tonight was brutal.

"Obviously playing Gael is never easy. You are coming into the court knowing that you are going to have a lot of exchanges, a lot of rallies. He is a great fighter and a great friend of mine, so I wish him all the best. Tough luck today."

Djokovic returned to court with Viktor Troicki to clinch the deciding doubles match against Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3 6-7(5) 10-3.

The 2-1 result ensured Serbia will finish as Group A winners and become the second team to qualify for the quarter-finals after Australia booked their place as Group F winners on Sunday.

Fit-again South African Kevin Anderson earlier won his first match since returning to competitive tennis with a 6-0 6-3 success against Chile's Cristian Garin.

Anderson, runner-up at the 2017 US&nbsp;Open and Wimbledon a year later, played only five tournaments last year due to injury before undergoing knee surgery in September.

The 33-year-old lost 7-6(5) 7-6(6) to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup-and-davis-cup-271915">Djokovic</a> in his return to action on Saturday, his first match since the third round of Wimbledon in July, but proved too good for Garin.

The former world number five did not face a break point against Garin, sealing the tie for South Africa.

Austria's world number four Dominic Thiem also bounced back from his season-opening loss against Croat Borna Coric by beating Diego Schwartzman 6-3 7-6(3) to help set up a 3-0 win over Argentina.

Croatia's Marin Cilic, the US&nbsp;Open champion in 2014, followed up Saturday's win against Austrian Dennis Novak with a 7-6(8) 6-4 win over 20-year-old Kacper Zuk of Poland.

Cilic converted only one of his 13 break points but the win in Sydney was enough to set up Croatia's second victory at the event after they defeated Austria 3-0.

Japan also completed their second win as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-leads-britain-to-opening-davis-cup-win-spain-reach-last-eight-263586">Yoshihito Nishioka</a> and Go Soeda emerged victorious in their singles matches to seal the tie against Georgia in Perth.

Novak Djokovic braved extreme humidity to beat tricky French opponent Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 and later helped Serbia win the doubles as they progressed at the inaugural ATP Cup team event in Brisbane on Monday.

Novak Djokovic braved extreme humidity to beat tricky French opponent Gael Monfils 6-3 6-2 and later helped Serbia win the doubles as they progressed at the inaugural ATP Cup team event in Brisbane on Monday. Spain's world number one Rafa Nadal was also in punishing mood ahead of this month's Australian Open as he dismantled Uruguay's Pablo Cuevas 6-2 6-1 in Perth to seal their tie. Roberto Bautista Agut had given the Spaniards the lead after an equally one-sided 6-1 6-2 win over Franco Roncadelli in the $15 million ATP Cup, which features 24 nations competing in Perth, Brisbane and Sydney over 10 days. Djokovic had a 15-0 head-to-head record against Monfils before Monday's clash and, after surviving an initial onslaught from his opponent, made sure the record remained blemish free. The Serb saved nine break points while converting the three he had against Monfils, who finished 2019 in the top 10, to square the tie after the temperamental Benoit Paire had given France the lead by overcoming Dusan Lajovic 6-2 6-7(6) 6-4. "It was definitely one of the most humid conditions I have ever had in my career," Djokovic said in a courtside interview. "I mean, tonight was brutal. "Obviously playing Gael is never easy. You are coming into the court knowing that you are going to have a lot of exchanges, a lot of rallies. He is a great fighter and a great friend of mine, so I wish him all the best. Tough luck today." Djokovic returned to court with Viktor Troicki to clinch the deciding doubles match against Nicolas Mahut and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-3 6-7(5) 10-3. The 2-1 result ensured Serbia will finish as Group A winners and become the second team to qualify for the quarter-finals after Australia booked their place as Group F winners on Sunday. Fit-again South African Kevin Anderson earlier won his first match since returning to competitive tennis with a 6-0 6-3 success against Chile's Cristian Garin. Anderson, runner-up at the 2017 US Open and Wimbledon a year later, played only five tournaments last year due to injury before undergoing knee surgery in September. The 33-year-old lost 7-6(5) 7-6(6) to Djokovic in his return to action on Saturday, his first match since the third round of Wimbledon in July, but proved too good for Garin. The former world number five did not face a break point against Garin, sealing the tie for South Africa. Austria's world number four Dominic Thiem also bounced back from his season-opening loss against Croat Borna Coric by beating Diego Schwartzman 6-3 7-6(3) to help set up a 3-0 win over Argentina. Croatia's Marin Cilic, the US Open champion in 2014, followed up Saturday's win against Austrian Dennis Novak with a 7-6(8) 6-4 win over 20-year-old Kacper Zuk of Poland. Cilic converted only one of his 13 break points but the win in Sydney was enough to set up Croatia's second victory at the event after they defeated Austria 3-0. Japan also completed their second win as Yoshihito Nishioka and Go Soeda emerged victorious in their singles matches to seal the tie against Georgia in Perth.

Djokovic, Nadal march on with convincing wins at ATP Cup

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-and-nadal-rally-for-merger-of-atp-cup-and-davis-cup-271915">Novak Djokovic</a> said Australian Open organisers should consider delaying the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-cup-2020-tennis-innovative-24-team-tournament-to-begin-from-january-3-271406">Grand Slam</a> of the year if haze from bushfires raging around the country threatens players' health.

The opening major of 2020 is due to start at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fuelled-by-high-temperatures-and-strong-winds-australian-bushfires-continues-rage-272114">Melbourne</a> Park on January 20 and the city was blanketed by smoke from blazes burning to the east on Saturday, compromising air quality.

Djokovic, president of the ATP players council, said in the early hours of Sunday that any delay would be a last resort, but it needed to be discussed.

"I mean, it's fair from you to say that (ask the question)," he said when pressed on the matter in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-cup-kicks-off-with-shapovalov-win-271903">Brisbane</a>, where he is playing for Serbia in the inaugural ATP Cup team event.

"Obviously, you have to always&nbsp;because of some extreme weather and conditions, you just have to consider it.

"But I think that's probably the very, very last option for anything. I think they're going to try to do anything to not delay in terms of days and when it starts.

"I mean, and I understand why, but if it comes down to those conditions affecting the health of players, I think we should definitely consider it."

Catastrophic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-firefighters-get-brief-reprieve-as-death-toll-rises-272175">bushfires</a> have been raging in Australia for weeks, leaving 24 dead and hundreds of properties destroyed.

Tennis officials last week took the unprecedented decision to relocate the Canberra International, an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-cup-2020-tennis-innovative-24-team-tournament-to-begin-from-january-3-271406">ATP</a> Challenger 125 event and on the women's ITF World Tennis Tour, which serves as a stepping stone to the full tour.

They said play would not have been possible in the Australian capital which has been choked by smoke, with the tournament now due to start Monday at Bendigo in Victoria state.

Djokovic said he had experienced air quality issues at tournaments in China, but the bushfires had created an unprecedented situation.

The Serbian superstar said he not spoken to Tennis Australia chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-prize-pool-jumps-to-49-million-biggest-gains-for-early-rounds-269945">Craig Tiley</a> "but people from my team have".

"They're obviously tracking the situation every single day as it's evolving and hopefully calming down with the smoke and fires," he said.

"I think they will, if it continues the same way and if the quality of air is affected.&nbsp;I think Tennis Australia probably will be forced to, I think, create some rules about it.

"I mean, it's tough for them because scheduling has to be respected in terms of play and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sharapova-to-return-next-month-as-brisbane-wildcard-271149">Australian Open</a> starts at a certain time, so there's a lot of different things involved.&nbsp;

"But health is a concern for me and for anybody."

He said the ATP players' council was due to meet before the Australian Open and the issue would be on the agenda.

Novak Djokovic said Australian Open organisers should consider delaying the first Grand Slam of the year if haze from bushfires raging around the country threatens players' health.

Novak Djokovic said Australian Open organisers should consider delaying the first Grand Slam of the year if haze from bushfires raging around the country threatens players' health. The opening major of 2020 is due to start at Melbourne Park on January 20 and the city was blanketed by smoke from blazes burning to the east on Saturday, compromising air quality. Djokovic, president of the ATP players council, said in the early hours of Sunday that any delay would be a last resort, but it needed to be discussed. "I mean, it's fair from you to say that (ask the question)," he said when pressed on the matter in Brisbane, where he is playing for Serbia in the inaugural ATP Cup team event. "Obviously, you have to always because of some extreme weather and conditions, you just have to consider it. "But I think that's probably the very, very last option for anything. I think they're going to try to do anything to not delay in terms of days and when it starts. "I mean, and I understand why, but if it comes down to those conditions affecting the health of players, I think we should definitely consider it." Catastrophic bushfires have been raging in Australia for weeks, leaving 24 dead and hundreds of properties destroyed. Tennis officials last week took the unprecedented decision to relocate the Canberra International, an ATP Challenger 125 event and on the women's ITF World Tennis Tour, which serves as a stepping stone to the full tour. They said play would not have been possible in the Australian capital which has been choked by smoke, with the tournament now due to start Monday at Bendigo in Victoria state. Djokovic said he had experienced air quality issues at tournaments in China, but the bushfires had created an unprecedented situation. The Serbian superstar said he not spoken to Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley "but people from my team have". "They're obviously tracking the situation every single day as it's evolving and hopefully calming down with the smoke and fires," he said. "I think they will, if it continues the same way and if the quality of air is affected. I think Tennis Australia probably will be forced to, I think, create some rules about it. "I mean, it's tough for them because scheduling has to be respected in terms of play and the Australian Open starts at a certain time, so there's a lot of different things involved. "But health is a concern for me and for anybody." He said the ATP players' council was due to meet before the Australian Open and the issue would be on the agenda.

ATP: Novak Djokovic concerned about smoke at Australian Open as bushfires continue to blaze

Tennis' innovative new team championship kicks off the men's 2020 season on Friday, with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic among those looking for a winning start ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.

The ATP Cup will see 24 nations split into six groups across three Australian cities, with eight teams emerging from the round-robin to compete in a knockout phase until one country is left standing.

It is the sport's newest tournament and the third men's team event competing for the hearts and minds, and dollars, of fans, along with a revamped Davis Cup and the annual Laver Cup, which pits Europe against the World.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 
 
Introducing the 24 countries competing in the inaugural <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ATPCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ATPCup</a>. <a href="https://t.co/8l1mB1QHmI">pic.twitter.com/8l1mB1QHmI</a>
— ATPCup (@ATPCup) <a href="https://twitter.com/ATPCup/status/1194733806344912896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 13, 2019</a></blockquote>
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But it has already suffered setbacks, with major drawcard Roger Federer opting to give it a miss and Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori pulling out injured.

Despite this, world number two Djokovic said the move towards more team tennis was good for a sport best known for the individuality of its global superstars.

"More than 90 per cent of the time, we're playing as individuals and we don't have too many team events," said the Serbian great, who also heads the ATP player council.

"This is going to bring together a lot of nations and, for me, it will be a very nice and proud moment to represent my country. An event like this is truly going to make an impact."

Sydney hosts the finals, along with with group games, which are also held in Brisbane and Perth with US$15 million in prize money and up to 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP rankings points at stake.

Australian star Nick Kyrgios agrees with Djokovic, believing it will be "an awesome event".

"I know everyone on the Tour wants to be with their teammates. There's nothing better than playing for your country against the other best players in the world," he said.

Looking to the future

While Federer, Nishikori and Murray are missing, most of the world's top 30 men are playing. The championship, from January 3-12, will feature two ties each day in the three cities during the round-robin, comprising two singles matches then doubles.

Belgium kicks off the Sydney action against Moldova before Britain face Bulgaria. Kyrgios spearheads local hopes for Australia in Brisbane against the Alexander Zverev-led Germany while Greece take on Canada in the same city.

First up in Perth will be the United States against Norway followed by Russia and Italy.

Djokovic makes his tournament debut in Brisbane for Serbia on day two, as does Spanish world number one Nadal in Perth.

Under the format, the second-ranked singles players from each country face each other first, then the top-ranked men ahead of a potentially decisive double.

A country winning two of three matches will claim the tie.

As well as the players, some big-name former stars are captaining their countries, including Boris Becker (Germany), Marat Safin (Russia), Tim Henman (Britain), Lleyton Hewitt (Australia), and Thomas Muster (Austria).

Previously the men's season kicked off with players spread across various smaller-scale tournaments, and outgoing ATP chairman Chris Kermode said it made far more sense to have everyone under one umbrella.

"The ATP Cup fits perfectly with our strategy to innovate and look towards the future," he said.

"The first week of the season is when the players want to play and that's why the tournament has their strong support."

Group A (Brisbane) - Serbia, France, South Africa, Chile&nbsp; 
Group B (Perth) - Spain, Japan, Georgia, Uruguay&nbsp; 
Group C (Sydney) - Bulgaria, Belgium, Great Britain, Moldova&nbsp; 
Group D (Perth) - Russia, Italy, USA, Norway&nbsp; 
Group E (Sydney) - Austria, Croatia, Argentina, Poland&nbsp; 
Group F (Brisbane) - Germany, Greece, Canada, Australia.

Tennis' innovative new team championship kicks off the men's 2020 season on Friday, with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic among those looking for a winning start ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year.

Tennis' innovative new team championship kicks off the men's 2020 season on Friday, with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic among those looking for a winning start ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year. The ATP Cup will see 24 nations split into six groups across three Australian cities, with eight teams emerging from the round-robin to compete in a knockout phase until one country is left standing. It is the sport's newest tournament and the third men's team event competing for the hearts and minds, and dollars, of fans, along with a revamped Davis Cup and the annual Laver Cup, which pits Europe against the World. 🚨 BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Introducing the 24 countries competing in the inaugural #ATPCup. pic.twitter.com/8l1mB1QHmI — ATPCup (@ATPCup) November 13, 2019 × But it has already suffered setbacks, with major drawcard Roger Federer opting to give it a miss and Andy Murray and Kei Nishikori pulling out injured. Despite this, world number two Djokovic said the move towards more team tennis was good for a sport best known for the individuality of its global superstars. "More than 90 per cent of the time, we're playing as individuals and we don't have too many team events," said the Serbian great, who also heads the ATP player council. "This is going to bring together a lot of nations and, for me, it will be a very nice and proud moment to represent my country. An event like this is truly going to make an impact." Sydney hosts the finals, along with with group games, which are also held in Brisbane and Perth with US$15 million in prize money and up to 750 singles and 250 doubles ATP rankings points at stake. Australian star Nick Kyrgios agrees with Djokovic, believing it will be "an awesome event". "I know everyone on the Tour wants to be with their teammates. There's nothing better than playing for your country against the other best players in the world," he said. Looking to the future While Federer, Nishikori and Murray are missing, most of the world's top 30 men are playing. The championship, from January 3-12, will feature two ties each day in the three cities during the round-robin, comprising two singles matches then doubles. Belgium kicks off the Sydney action against Moldova before Britain face Bulgaria. Kyrgios spearheads local hopes for Australia in Brisbane against the Alexander Zverev-led Germany while Greece take on Canada in the same city. First up in Perth will be the United States against Norway followed by Russia and Italy. Djokovic makes his tournament debut in Brisbane for Serbia on day two, as does Spanish world number one Nadal in Perth. Under the format, the second-ranked singles players from each country face each other first, then the top-ranked men ahead of a potentially decisive double. A country winning two of three matches will claim the tie. As well as the players, some big-name former stars are captaining their countries, including Boris Becker (Germany), Marat Safin (Russia), Tim Henman (Britain), Lleyton Hewitt (Australia), and Thomas Muster (Austria). Previously the men's season kicked off with players spread across various smaller-scale tournaments, and outgoing ATP chairman Chris Kermode said it made far more sense to have everyone under one umbrella. "The ATP Cup fits perfectly with our strategy to innovate and look towards the future," he said. "The first week of the season is when the players want to play and that's why the tournament has their strong support." Group A (Brisbane) - Serbia, France, South Africa, Chile Group B (Perth) - Spain, Japan, Georgia, Uruguay Group C (Sydney) - Bulgaria, Belgium, Great Britain, Moldova Group D (Perth) - Russia, Italy, USA, Norway Group E (Sydney) - Austria, Croatia, Argentina, Poland Group F (Brisbane) - Germany, Greece, Canada, Australia.

ATP Cup 2020: Tennis' innovative 24-team tournament to begin from January 3

The&nbsp;prize&nbsp;pool&nbsp;for the 2020&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andreescu-out-of-season-opener-in-auckland-with-knee-issues-269883">Australian&nbsp;Open</a>&nbsp;has been boosted by 14 per cent&nbsp;to A$71&nbsp;million&nbsp;($49.1&nbsp;million), organisers said on Tuesday, with the&nbsp;biggest&nbsp;gains&nbsp;for players exiting in the&nbsp;early&nbsp;rounds.

Players losing in the first round of qualifying at the year's first Grand Slam will take home A$20,000, up by a third from last year, while singles players who exit in the first round of the main draw will earn A$90,000, a jump of 20 per cent.

Before the start of the 2018&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open, Serb champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-guides-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals-263723">Novak Djokovic</a> had to distance himself from media reports that he had pushed for a revolt over the way revenues from the four Grand Slams were distributed to help reward a larger group of players.

"We have long been committed to improving the pay and conditions for a deeper&nbsp;pool&nbsp;of international tennis players," tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement, noting that overall&nbsp;prize&nbsp;money has more than tripled since 2007.

"This year, we pushed to reward players competing&nbsp;early&nbsp;in the tournament in both singles and doubles."

The 2020 women's and men's singles champions will receive smaller increases in&nbsp;prize&nbsp;money, with both winners taking home A$4.12&nbsp;million, up $20,000.

Players can usually secure a main draw appearance in the tournament, which starts on January&nbsp;20, by having a ranking in the top 100.

Naomi Osaka of Japan is the reigning women's singles champion at the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;while Djokovic claimed a record seventh title by defeating great rival <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-had-nothing-left-to-give-says-rafael-nadal-after-spain-win-davis-cup-264343">Rafa Nadal</a> in the 2019 final.

In a report published last year, an International Review Panel commissioned to address betting-related and other integrity issues said that players in the lowest tiers were susceptible to being corrupted because of the difficulty of making a living, with only 250-350 players earning enough money to break even.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-rout-pakistan-4-0-to-seal-davis-cup-qualifiers-spot-265459">International Tennis Federation</a> last week announced a series of measures as part of its fight against corruption in the sport's lower levels.

The prize pool for the 2020 Australian Open has been boosted by 14 per cent to A$71 million ($49.1 million), organisers said on Tuesday, with the biggest gains for players exiting in the early rounds.

The prize pool for the 2020 Australian Open has been boosted by 14 per cent to A$71 million ($49.1 million), organisers said on Tuesday, with the biggest gains for players exiting in the early rounds. Players losing in the first round of qualifying at the year's first Grand Slam will take home A$20,000, up by a third from last year, while singles players who exit in the first round of the main draw will earn A$90,000, a jump of 20 per cent. Before the start of the 2018 Australian Open, Serb champion Novak Djokovic had to distance himself from media reports that he had pushed for a revolt over the way revenues from the four Grand Slams were distributed to help reward a larger group of players. "We have long been committed to improving the pay and conditions for a deeper pool of international tennis players," tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement, noting that overall prize money has more than tripled since 2007. "This year, we pushed to reward players competing early in the tournament in both singles and doubles." The 2020 women's and men's singles champions will receive smaller increases in prize money, with both winners taking home A$4.12 million, up $20,000. Players can usually secure a main draw appearance in the tournament, which starts on January 20, by having a ranking in the top 100. Naomi Osaka of Japan is the reigning women's singles champion at the Australian Open while Djokovic claimed a record seventh title by defeating great rival Rafa Nadal in the 2019 final. In a report published last year, an International Review Panel commissioned to address betting-related and other integrity issues said that players in the lowest tiers were susceptible to being corrupted because of the difficulty of making a living, with only 250-350 players earning enough money to break even. The International Tennis Federation last week announced a series of measures as part of its fight against corruption in the sport's lower levels.

Australian Open prize pool jumps to $49 million, biggest gains for early rounds

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-rafael-nadal-sparks-spanish-comeback-levels-group-b-tie-263277">Rafael Nadal</a> won back-to-back matches to propel Spain to a 2-1 victory over Argentina and a place in the semi-finals of the new-look Davis Cup on Friday.

World number one Nadal thrashed Diego Schwartzman 6-1, 6-2 to pull Spain level after Guido Pella put the Argentines ahead with a 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win over Pablo Carreno.

Nadal then teamed with Marcel Granollers to beat Maximo Gonzalez and Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in a must-win doubles match to see Spain into a final-four clash with Great Britain.

"I had a good singles match, but the doubles came down to a few balls because the game was very close," Nadal said. "It's a great victory, but we don't have time to enjoy it, we have to rest because tomorrow it will be difficult again."

Britain meanwhile eased into the semis with an efficient 2-0 effort over Germany.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-leads-britain-to-opening-davis-cup-win-spain-reach-last-eight-263586">Andy Murray</a> was rested on Friday but will likely feature in the semi-finals. In his absence Kyle Edmund beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5 in the first rubber with Daniel Evans taking three sets to see off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2).

Earlier Russia beat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-guides-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals-263723">Novak Djokovic's Serbia</a> to reach the semi-finals following a cliff-hanger match that went all the way to a deciding tie-breaker.

With the quarter-final level at 1-1 following the singles, the Russian pairing of Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev faced Djokovic and Viktor Troicki in the deciding rubber.

After a see-saw match of high drama the Russians came out 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) winners and face Canada, quarter-final victors over Australia, in Saturday's semi-finals.

"It was heads or tails and the coin fell on our side," Rublev said.

"God gave me a chance to be a hero," he added.

Kachanov was already looking forward to the next match.

"We'll have to get it together for Canada," he said of the semi-final.&nbsp;

"Luck was on our side here, but this was one of the biggest games of either our careers."

Earlier in the day Rublev won the first singles over Filip Krajinovic 6-1, 6-2 to give Russia a lead, cancelled out later by Djokovic, who overcame Khachanov 6-3, 6-3.

The world number two Djokovic, winner of 16 Grand Slams said the match had been "a real roller-coaster of a game, very, very emotional and very tense".

"Sport&nbsp;is not all about winning and losing but this hurts me personally," said the 32-year-old.

"Anyway the season is over now, we'll get over it. Tomorrow is another day."

In the absence of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-rafael-nadal-roars-back-from-brink-to-beat-medvedev-261945">Daniil Medvedev</a>, the Russian star who pulled out of the event citing exhaustion, captain Shamil Tarpischev placed his faith in Rublev and Khachanov for both singles and doubles.

In the end, it all hinged on the doubles with Russia taking the first set 6-4.

In the second set and with the Serbs up 4-2 Djokovic appeared to suffer discomfort from his right elbow, the same place where her reported pain at the ATP Finals last week.

"A sudden movement caused a sharp pain, but I was still able to serve," said Djokovic.

After receiving two massage sessions during changeovers Djokovic appeared to have recovered and Serbia were back on level terms one set-all.

The third set went to 6-6. Then the Serbs missed three match points in the tie-breaker, most agonisingly when Troicki missed an easy volley for victory.

The Russians made no mistake when their turn came, clinching victory with their first match point.

Rafael Nadal won back-to-back matches to propel Spain to a 2-1 victory over Argentina and a place in the semi-finals of the new-look Davis Cup on Friday. World number one Nadal thrashed Diego Schwartzman 6-1, 6-2 to pull Spain level after Guido Pella put the Argentines ahead with a 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win over Pablo Carreno.

Rafael Nadal won back-to-back matches to propel Spain to a 2-1 victory over Argentina and a place in the semi-finals of the new-look Davis Cup on Friday. World number one Nadal thrashed Diego Schwartzman 6-1, 6-2 to pull Spain level after Guido Pella put the Argentines ahead with a 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1 win over Pablo Carreno. Nadal then teamed with Marcel Granollers to beat Maximo Gonzalez and Leonardo Mayer 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in a must-win doubles match to see Spain into a final-four clash with Great Britain. "I had a good singles match, but the doubles came down to a few balls because the game was very close," Nadal said. "It's a great victory, but we don't have time to enjoy it, we have to rest because tomorrow it will be difficult again." Britain meanwhile eased into the semis with an efficient 2-0 effort over Germany. Andy Murray was rested on Friday but will likely feature in the semi-finals. In his absence Kyle Edmund beat Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5 in the first rubber with Daniel Evans taking three sets to see off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2). Earlier Russia beat Novak Djokovic's Serbia to reach the semi-finals following a cliff-hanger match that went all the way to a deciding tie-breaker. With the quarter-final level at 1-1 following the singles, the Russian pairing of Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev faced Djokovic and Viktor Troicki in the deciding rubber. After a see-saw match of high drama the Russians came out 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) winners and face Canada, quarter-final victors over Australia, in Saturday's semi-finals. "It was heads or tails and the coin fell on our side," Rublev said. "God gave me a chance to be a hero," he added. Kachanov was already looking forward to the next match. "We'll have to get it together for Canada," he said of the semi-final. "Luck was on our side here, but this was one of the biggest games of either our careers." Earlier in the day Rublev won the first singles over Filip Krajinovic 6-1, 6-2 to give Russia a lead, cancelled out later by Djokovic, who overcame Khachanov 6-3, 6-3. The world number two Djokovic, winner of 16 Grand Slams said the match had been "a real roller-coaster of a game, very, very emotional and very tense". "Sport is not all about winning and losing but this hurts me personally," said the 32-year-old. "Anyway the season is over now, we'll get over it. Tomorrow is another day." In the absence of Daniil Medvedev, the Russian star who pulled out of the event citing exhaustion, captain Shamil Tarpischev placed his faith in Rublev and Khachanov for both singles and doubles. In the end, it all hinged on the doubles with Russia taking the first set 6-4. In the second set and with the Serbs up 4-2 Djokovic appeared to suffer discomfort from his right elbow, the same place where her reported pain at the ATP Finals last week. "A sudden movement caused a sharp pain, but I was still able to serve," said Djokovic. After receiving two massage sessions during changeovers Djokovic appeared to have recovered and Serbia were back on level terms one set-all. The third set went to 6-6. Then the Serbs missed three match points in the tie-breaker, most agonisingly when Troicki missed an easy volley for victory. The Russians made no mistake when their turn came, clinching victory with their first match point.

Rafael Nadal powers Spain into Davis Cup semis, Novak Djokovic's Serbia ousted

Great Britain joined Russia and Canada in the final four of tennis' new-look Davis Cup on Friday when they took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Germany.

Kyle Edmund beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5 in the first rubber with Daniel Evans taking three sets to see off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2).

Andy Murray was rested on Friday but will likely feature in the semi-finals where they face the winner of Spain against Argentina.

Rafael Nadal pulled Spain level at 1-1 with Argentina with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Diego Schwartzman.

Guido Pella had put the Argentines ahead with a three-set victory over Pablo Carreno 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1.

"I was serving well and was playing at a high level, so let's see how it goes," said Nadal when revealing he would line up in the doubles rubber late Friday.

Earlier Russia beat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-guides-serbia-into-davis-cup-quarter-finals-263723">Novak Djokovic's</a> Serbia to reach the semi-finals following a cliff-hanger match that went all the way to a deciding tie-breaker.

With the quarter-final level at 1-1 following the singles, the Russian pairing of Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev faced Djokovic and Viktor Troicki in the deciding rubber.

After a see-saw match of high drama, the Russians came out 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) winners and face Canada, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-hurting-hewitt-pans-davis-cup-scheduling-after-australia-eliminated-263860">quarter-final victors over Australia</a>, in Saturday's semi-finals.

"It was heads or tails and the coin fell on our side," Rublev said.

"God gave me a chance to be a hero," he added.

Kachanov was already looking forward to the next match.

"We'll have to get it together for Canada," he said of the semi-final.&nbsp;

"Luck was on our side here, but this was one of the biggest games of either our careers."

Earlier in the day, Rublev won the first singles over Filip Krajinovic 6-1, 6-2 to give Russia a lead, cancelled out later by Djokovic, who overcame Khachanov 6-3, 6-3.

The world No.2 Djokovic, winner of 16 Grand Slams said the match had been "a real roller-coaster of a game, very, very emotional and very tense".

"Sport&nbsp;is not all about winning and losing but this hurts me personally," said the 32-year-old.

"Anyway the season is over now, we'll get over it. Tomorrow is another day."

Great Britain joined Russia and Canada in the final four of tennis' new-look Davis Cup on Friday when they took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Germany. Kyle Edmund beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5 in the first rubber with Daniel Evans taking three sets to see off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2).

Great Britain joined Russia and Canada in the final four of tennis' new-look Davis Cup on Friday when they took an unassailable 2-0 lead over Germany. Kyle Edmund beat German Philipp Kohlschreiber 6-3, 7-5 in the first rubber with Daniel Evans taking three sets to see off Jan-Lennard Struff 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 7-6 (7/2). Andy Murray was rested on Friday but will likely feature in the semi-finals where they face the winner of Spain against Argentina. Rafael Nadal pulled Spain level at 1-1 with Argentina with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Diego Schwartzman. Guido Pella had put the Argentines ahead with a three-set victory over Pablo Carreno 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 6-1. "I was serving well and was playing at a high level, so let's see how it goes," said Nadal when revealing he would line up in the doubles rubber late Friday. Earlier Russia beat Novak Djokovic's Serbia to reach the semi-finals following a cliff-hanger match that went all the way to a deciding tie-breaker. With the quarter-final level at 1-1 following the singles, the Russian pairing of Karen Khachanov and Andrey Rublev faced Djokovic and Viktor Troicki in the deciding rubber. After a see-saw match of high drama, the Russians came out 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (10/8) winners and face Canada, quarter-final victors over Australia, in Saturday's semi-finals. "It was heads or tails and the coin fell on our side," Rublev said. "God gave me a chance to be a hero," he added. Kachanov was already looking forward to the next match. "We'll have to get it together for Canada," he said of the semi-final. "Luck was on our side here, but this was one of the biggest games of either our careers." Earlier in the day, Rublev won the first singles over Filip Krajinovic 6-1, 6-2 to give Russia a lead, cancelled out later by Djokovic, who overcame Khachanov 6-3, 6-3. The world No.2 Djokovic, winner of 16 Grand Slams said the match had been "a real roller-coaster of a game, very, very emotional and very tense". "Sport is not all about winning and losing but this hurts me personally," said the 32-year-old. "Anyway the season is over now, we'll get over it. Tomorrow is another day."

Britain ease past Germany to join Russia, Canada in Davis Cup semis

Serbia, led by Novak Djokovic, confirmed their place in the Davis Cup quarter-finals after taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead over France in Madrid, Spain on Thursday (November 21).

Both teams came into their final Group A tie with a victory over Japan, meaning that the winner would be assured of a place in the quarter-finals.

Filip Krajinovic gave Serbia the lead when he beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5 7-6(5) before world number two Novak Djokovic eased past Benoit Paire 6-3 6-3.

France may still have a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals if they can win the doubles match featuring last Sunday's (November 17) world champions Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut against the Serbian pair of Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki.

Serbia, led by Novak Djokovic, confirmed their place in the Davis Cup quarter-finals after taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead over France in Madrid, Spain on Thursday (November 21).

Serbia, led by Novak Djokovic, confirmed their place in the Davis Cup quarter-finals after taking an unbeatable 2-0 lead over France in Madrid, Spain on Thursday (November 21). Both teams came into their final Group A tie with a victory over Japan, meaning that the winner would be assured of a place in the quarter-finals. Filip Krajinovic gave Serbia the lead when he beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-5 7-6(5) before world number two Novak Djokovic eased past Benoit Paire 6-3 6-3. France may still have a chance of progressing to the quarter-finals if they can win the doubles match featuring last Sunday's (November 17) world champions Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut against the Serbian pair of Janko Tipsarevic and Viktor Troicki.

Novak Djokovic guides Serbia into Davis Cup quarter-finals

Novak Djokovic says the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-finally-beat-us-to-reach-davis-cup-last-eight-263273">Davis Cup Finals</a> and the ATP Cup cannot co-exist and must merge and believes an elite eight-nation competition in September would be the ideal scenario.

The 32-year-old 16-time Grand Slam champion helped Serbia to a 3-0 victory over Japan in their Group A opener on Wednesday at La Caja Magica where a revamped Davis Cup climax is being contested by 18 nations over seven days.

In January, 24 nations will contest the ATP Cup across three cities in Australia, leading to the obvious question of how two similar-looking team events can take place six weeks apart.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-novak-djokovics-hopes-crushed-as-roger-federer-serves-up-a-masterclass-262232">Djokovic </a>would appear to have his feet in both camps. He is president of the ATP's Player Council but also has a deep affection for the International Tennis Federation's flagship Davis Cup, having won the title in 2010.

"I'm sure that organisers of (the Davis Cup) are doing their best to make this a successful week, a successful event," Djokovic told reporters on Wednesday.

"It's a lot of responsibility and pressure on them because this is the most traditional, historic team event in our sport. There's a tremendous burden of history on them to make it right.

"But then, of course, scheduling was always an issue, for both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-clinches-maiden-atp-finals-after-beating-thiem-262805">ATP Cup </a>and Davis Cup. In my opinion, which was an idea, that it could happen, was a merger between the two.

"And so I think it's still open for the future."

Satisfying so many different interests, which also includes the successful Laver Cup, is not easy though, he admits.

"I've been part of discussions through the Player Council, through various different ways in the last three years," Djokovic said. "Of course, the ITF and ATP are two different organisations. It's very complex. It's not easy to make any change in our sport.

"Looking long-term, I personally don't think the two events can co-exist six weeks apart. It's a little too congested."

Djokovic has been upbeat about the new Davis Cup format, which was voted in by the ITF in 2018 and bankrolled by a $3 billion 25-year partnership with Kosmos, the Barcelona-based investment company owned by soccer player Gerard Pique.

The revamp, which Djokovic says was necessary because of flagging interest in the competition from players and media, has upset many because it has largely done away with the much-loved "home" ties that were so important to nations.

There is still a qualifying round in February, from which 12 nations book their place in the Davis Cup Finals. The four semi-finalists from the previous year qualify automatically, while the ITF picks two wildcard nations.

Djokovic believes a halfway house would be a better solution with some kind of "super cup" played in September.

"I miss playing at home for Serbia in the Davis Cup. But I support the fact there had to be a change from the old format.

"I think maybe the ideal format is somewhere in between. Maybe creating an elite eight tournament and having maybe one week or two weeks earlier in the year where nations can play at home in the qualifications group for the elite eight."

The ATP Cup will have total prize money of $15 million. The new Davis Cup Finals offers around $18 million to teams and another $9 million to federations.

Novak Djokovic says the Davis Cup Finals and the ATP Cup cannot co-exist and must merge and believes an elite eight-nation competition in September would be the ideal scenario.

Novak Djokovic says the Davis Cup Finals and the ATP Cup cannot co-exist and must merge and believes an elite eight-nation competition in September would be the ideal scenario. The 32-year-old 16-time Grand Slam champion helped Serbia to a 3-0 victory over Japan in their Group A opener on Wednesday at La Caja Magica where a revamped Davis Cup climax is being contested by 18 nations over seven days. In January, 24 nations will contest the ATP Cup across three cities in Australia, leading to the obvious question of how two similar-looking team events can take place six weeks apart. Djokovic would appear to have his feet in both camps. He is president of the ATP's Player Council but also has a deep affection for the International Tennis Federation's flagship Davis Cup, having won the title in 2010. "I'm sure that organisers of (the Davis Cup) are doing their best to make this a successful week, a successful event," Djokovic told reporters on Wednesday. "It's a lot of responsibility and pressure on them because this is the most traditional, historic team event in our sport. There's a tremendous burden of history on them to make it right. "But then, of course, scheduling was always an issue, for both ATP Cup and Davis Cup. In my opinion, which was an idea, that it could happen, was a merger between the two. "And so I think it's still open for the future." Satisfying so many different interests, which also includes the successful Laver Cup, is not easy though, he admits. "I've been part of discussions through the Player Council, through various different ways in the last three years," Djokovic said. "Of course, the ITF and ATP are two different organisations. It's very complex. It's not easy to make any change in our sport. "Looking long-term, I personally don't think the two events can co-exist six weeks apart. It's a little too congested." Djokovic has been upbeat about the new Davis Cup format, which was voted in by the ITF in 2018 and bankrolled by a $3 billion 25-year partnership with Kosmos, the Barcelona-based investment company owned by soccer player Gerard Pique. The revamp, which Djokovic says was necessary because of flagging interest in the competition from players and media, has upset many because it has largely done away with the much-loved "home" ties that were so important to nations. There is still a qualifying round in February, from which 12 nations book their place in the Davis Cup Finals. The four semi-finalists from the previous year qualify automatically, while the ITF picks two wildcard nations. Djokovic believes a halfway house would be a better solution with some kind of "super cup" played in September. "I miss playing at home for Serbia in the Davis Cup. But I support the fact there had to be a change from the old format. "I think maybe the ideal format is somewhere in between. Maybe creating an elite eight tournament and having maybe one week or two weeks earlier in the year where nations can play at home in the qualifications group for the elite eight." The ATP Cup will have total prize money of $15 million. The new Davis Cup Finals offers around $18 million to teams and another $9 million to federations.

Novak Djokovic calls for merger of ATP Cup and Davis Cup

Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match in ATP Finals history as he signed off with a 7-6 (3) 6-3 defeat of off-colour <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316">Dominic Thiem</a> at the O2 Arena on Thursday.

The afternoon tussle was a little flat as Thiem had already <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-probably-my-best-ever-says-thiem-after-djokovic-win-261758">sealed a place in the semi-finals</a> after group wins against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, while Berrettini could not progress.

But the powerful 23-year-old Berrettini, making his debut at the tournament, produced some eye-catching tennis to make sure he heads home with a morale-boosting win.

The 200 ranking points and $215,000 for the group stage win capped a stunning year for Berrettini who was outside the top 50 in January but will end the season ranked eighth.

The only other Italians to qualify for the elite season-ender were Corrado Barazzutti in 1978 and Adriano Panatta in 1975 and neither managed to win a match.

Berrettini served for the first set at 5-4 after breaking the Thiem serve to love in the previous game, but a netted volley handed back the break.

The Italian dominated the tiebreak and grew in confidence in the second set as Thiem, suffering with a cold, failed to repeat the dazzling form he displayed when beating Djokovic in a three-set thriller on Tuesday.

A running backhand pass gave him a break for 4-2 in the second set and he closed out the win in dominant fashion.

Despite losing on Thursday, Thiem has won the group and will be joined in the semi-finals by either Djokovic or Federer who clash for the 49th time in an evening blockbuster.

Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match in ATP Finals history as he signed off with a 7-6 (3) 6-3 defeat of off-colour Dominic Thiem at the O2 Arena on Thursday.

Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match in ATP Finals history as he signed off with a 7-6 (3) 6-3 defeat of off-colour Dominic Thiem at the O2 Arena on Thursday. The afternoon tussle was a little flat as Thiem had already sealed a place in the semi-finals after group wins against Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, while Berrettini could not progress. But the powerful 23-year-old Berrettini, making his debut at the tournament, produced some eye-catching tennis to make sure he heads home with a morale-boosting win. The 200 ranking points and $215,000 for the group stage win capped a stunning year for Berrettini who was outside the top 50 in January but will end the season ranked eighth. The only other Italians to qualify for the elite season-ender were Corrado Barazzutti in 1978 and Adriano Panatta in 1975 and neither managed to win a match. Berrettini served for the first set at 5-4 after breaking the Thiem serve to love in the previous game, but a netted volley handed back the break. The Italian dominated the tiebreak and grew in confidence in the second set as Thiem, suffering with a cold, failed to repeat the dazzling form he displayed when beating Djokovic in a three-set thriller on Tuesday. A running backhand pass gave him a break for 4-2 in the second set and he closed out the win in dominant fashion. Despite losing on Thursday, Thiem has won the group and will be joined in the semi-finals by either Djokovic or Federer who clash for the 49th time in an evening blockbuster.

ATP Finals: Berrettini signs off with victory over Thiem

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-eyes-djokovic-after-rebounding-against-berrettini-261773">Roger Federer</a> lit up the O2 Arena with a dazzling 6-4 6-3 defeat of Novak Djokovic to hand the Serb an early ATP Finals exit and wreck his bid to end the year ranked number one on Thursday.

In the 49th meeting between the two great rivals, Federer snapped a five-match losing run against Djokovic and gained some consolation for his heartbreaking Wimbledon final defeat.

After both men had been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-probably-my-best-ever-says-thiem-after-djokovic-win-261758">beaten by Dominic Thiem</a> earlier in the group, their eagerly-anticipated duel was a straight shoot-out to join the Austrian in the semi-finals.

Cheered on by the majority of the 17,000 fans in the arena, Federer produced an astonishing display of power, grace and precision and Djokovic simply had no answer.

Djokovic's first defeat by Federer for four years means <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-rafael-nadal-roars-back-from-brink-to-beat-medvedev-261945">Rafael Nadal</a> will end the year as world number one for the fifth time even if the Spaniard fails to reach the semi-finals.

Federer, Djokovic and Nadal have all achieved the feat five times. Pete Sampras managed it a record six times.

Nadal takes on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-thrashes-zverev-to-reach-atp-semis-262017">Stefanos Tsitsipas</a> in the other group on Friday and should he win and Alexander Zverev lose to Daniil Medvedev, it would set up a Nadal versus Federer semi-final.

Federer had played down talk of seeking revenge when asked about his impending clash with Djokovic this week, but his victory celebration showed exactly what it meant.

"I felt from the get-go I had good rhythm off the baseline and on the serve and that I felt like he was living dangerously if he was not going to play great tennis," Federer, who at 38 continues to mock the ageing process, told reporters.

"I got what I kind of expected, and it was a great feeling at the very end. The reaction showed."

Djokovic, who had needed to win the title to stand any chance of overhauling Nadal, said it had been a "bad match" from his side but admitted Federer had done everything right.

"He was the better player in all aspects," the 32-year-old said. "I have the utmost admiration for him. What he's still showing on the court is phenomenal."

England's soccer team was playing across the city at Wembley on Thursday, but when Federer and Djokovic share a tennis court it is always the hottest ticket in town.

Djokovic had reached the final on his last six appearances at the ATP's most exclusive event in London while six-time champion Federer had only once failed to reach the semi-finals in his 16 previous appearances.

Something had to give and from the moment second seed Djokovic double-faulted twice in the third game to invite an early break for Federer, he was never really in contention.

Federer was seeing the ball like a melon, timing his groundstrokes to perfection while his serve was unplayable.

He dropped only three points on serve in the opening set and Djokovic's only chance was that Federer would cool off.

Djokovic dug deep to fend off break points in the opening game of the second set, then had his one and only break point in the fourth game but Federer whipped a huge forehand into the corner before pouncing on a volley.

Federer was relentless and surged 0-40 ahead in the next game. Djokovic saved one break point with a backhand pass but hit a forehand long on the next.

With crowd roaring Federer on, the end came quickly.

Serving to stay in the match, Djokovic was broken to love as Federer sent a dipping backhand to his feet.

Earlier in the day Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match at the ATP's year-ender, beating Thiem 7-6(3) 6-3. Despite the loss, Thiem won the group by virtue of his victory over Federer on Sunday.

Roger Federer lit up the O2 Arena with a dazzling 6-4 6-3 defeat of Novak Djokovic to hand the Serb an early ATP Finals exit and wreck his bid to end the year ranked number one on Thursday.

Roger Federer lit up the O2 Arena with a dazzling 6-4 6-3 defeat of Novak Djokovic to hand the Serb an early ATP Finals exit and wreck his bid to end the year ranked number one on Thursday. In the 49th meeting between the two great rivals, Federer snapped a five-match losing run against Djokovic and gained some consolation for his heartbreaking Wimbledon final defeat. After both men had been beaten by Dominic Thiem earlier in the group, their eagerly-anticipated duel was a straight shoot-out to join the Austrian in the semi-finals. Cheered on by the majority of the 17,000 fans in the arena, Federer produced an astonishing display of power, grace and precision and Djokovic simply had no answer. Djokovic's first defeat by Federer for four years means Rafael Nadal will end the year as world number one for the fifth time even if the Spaniard fails to reach the semi-finals. Federer, Djokovic and Nadal have all achieved the feat five times. Pete Sampras managed it a record six times. Nadal takes on Stefanos Tsitsipas in the other group on Friday and should he win and Alexander Zverev lose to Daniil Medvedev, it would set up a Nadal versus Federer semi-final. Federer had played down talk of seeking revenge when asked about his impending clash with Djokovic this week, but his victory celebration showed exactly what it meant. "I felt from the get-go I had good rhythm off the baseline and on the serve and that I felt like he was living dangerously if he was not going to play great tennis," Federer, who at 38 continues to mock the ageing process, told reporters. "I got what I kind of expected, and it was a great feeling at the very end. The reaction showed." Djokovic, who had needed to win the title to stand any chance of overhauling Nadal, said it had been a "bad match" from his side but admitted Federer had done everything right. "He was the better player in all aspects," the 32-year-old said. "I have the utmost admiration for him. What he's still showing on the court is phenomenal." England's soccer team was playing across the city at Wembley on Thursday, but when Federer and Djokovic share a tennis court it is always the hottest ticket in town. Djokovic had reached the final on his last six appearances at the ATP's most exclusive event in London while six-time champion Federer had only once failed to reach the semi-finals in his 16 previous appearances. Something had to give and from the moment second seed Djokovic double-faulted twice in the third game to invite an early break for Federer, he was never really in contention. Federer was seeing the ball like a melon, timing his groundstrokes to perfection while his serve was unplayable. He dropped only three points on serve in the opening set and Djokovic's only chance was that Federer would cool off. Djokovic dug deep to fend off break points in the opening game of the second set, then had his one and only break point in the fourth game but Federer whipped a huge forehand into the corner before pouncing on a volley. Federer was relentless and surged 0-40 ahead in the next game. Djokovic saved one break point with a backhand pass but hit a forehand long on the next. With crowd roaring Federer on, the end came quickly. Serving to stay in the match, Djokovic was broken to love as Federer sent a dipping backhand to his feet. Earlier in the day Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to win a match at the ATP's year-ender, beating Thiem 7-6(3) 6-3. Despite the loss, Thiem won the group by virtue of his victory over Federer on Sunday.

ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic's hopes crushed as Roger Federer serves up masterclass

Austria's Dominic Thiem described his stunning victory over Novak Djokovic at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-djokovic-thrashes-berrettini-thiem-stuns-federer-261312">ATP&nbsp;Finals</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday as probably the best match he has ever played.

The 26-year-old world number five blazed 50 winners, many of them jaw-dropping backhands, to beat the five-time champion 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in front of a spellbound O2 arena crowd.

He battled back from 4-1 down in the final set tiebreak to claim a fourth win in five against the 16-time Grand Slam champion and has already booked his semi-final spot.

"Probably the best match I ever played," he said. "It was a real classic and epic match which will happen from time to time at these big tournaments.

"It had everything that a match like this needs. He was up; I was up. He was playing amazing points; I was playing amazing points. It's only about luck, and it was a little bit more on my side today in the third-set tiebreak."

Djokovic played his full part in an exhilarating contest but could not quite match Thiem's firepower.

Thiem also made 44 unforced errors but it would be churlish to criticise that tally when he was playing such risky tennis.

Having never got past the group stage in three previous appearances at the tournament, he has now beaten <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316">Roger Federer</a> and Novak Djokovic back-to-back to book his place in the semi-finals&nbsp;and appears to be the man in form.

"I knew that I had to play like this to beat him. Against everybody who qualified for this tournament here, there is a special effort necessary to win," said the 26-year-old.

"I did it against Roger, and I did it also today. Probably Novak is the best player in the world right now, so I had to do something outstanding, something unusual, and that's what I did.

"I mean, I was hitting really, really hard."

Djokovic, who faces a decisive clash with Federer on Thursday with the loser guaranteed an early exit, was generous in his praise of Thiem.

"I know that he can play in a high level, but tonight was just phenomenal," he said. "He just played very courageous tennis and (was) just smacking the ball. He went for broke."

Austria's Dominic Thiem described his stunning victory over Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals on Tuesday as probably the best match he has ever played. The 26-year-old world number five blazed 50 winners, many of them jaw-dropping backhands, to beat the five-time champion 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in front of a spellbound O2 arena crowd.

Austria's Dominic Thiem described his stunning victory over Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals on Tuesday as probably the best match he has ever played. The 26-year-old world number five blazed 50 winners, many of them jaw-dropping backhands, to beat the five-time champion 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in front of a spellbound O2 arena crowd. He battled back from 4-1 down in the final set tiebreak to claim a fourth win in five against the 16-time Grand Slam champion and has already booked his semi-final spot. "Probably the best match I ever played," he said. "It was a real classic and epic match which will happen from time to time at these big tournaments. "It had everything that a match like this needs. He was up; I was up. He was playing amazing points; I was playing amazing points. It's only about luck, and it was a little bit more on my side today in the third-set tiebreak." Djokovic played his full part in an exhilarating contest but could not quite match Thiem's firepower. Thiem also made 44 unforced errors but it would be churlish to criticise that tally when he was playing such risky tennis. Having never got past the group stage in three previous appearances at the tournament, he has now beaten Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic back-to-back to book his place in the semi-finals and appears to be the man in form. "I knew that I had to play like this to beat him. Against everybody who qualified for this tournament here, there is a special effort necessary to win," said the 26-year-old. "I did it against Roger, and I did it also today. Probably Novak is the best player in the world right now, so I had to do something outstanding, something unusual, and that's what I did. "I mean, I was hitting really, really hard." Djokovic, who faces a decisive clash with Federer on Thursday with the loser guaranteed an early exit, was generous in his praise of Thiem. "I know that he can play in a high level, but tonight was just phenomenal," he said. "He just played very courageous tennis and (was) just smacking the ball. He went for broke."

ATP Finals: Probably my best ever, says Thiem after defeating Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic suffered defeat in a thriller against an inspired Dominic Thiem at the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316"> ATP Finals </a>on Tuesday and now faces a showdown with great rival Roger Federer to decide who will reach the last four at the season-ender.

Swiss Federer shrugged of defeat by Austria's Thiem in his opening group match to comfortably beat Italian Matteo Berrettini 7-6(2) 6-3 in the day's opening singles.

But the real drama at The O2 arena came later when Thiem beat Djokovic 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in the standout match of the tournament so far.

World number five Thiem blazed 50 winners in a sensational display of aggressive hitting to claim his second group win and seal his first semi-final in his fourth appearance.

Whatever his result against the already-eliminated Berrettini the Austrian will progress, but the only victory will do for Djokovic and Federer as they clash for the 49th time and first since Djokovic won an epic Wimbledon final in July.

While Federer is trying to avoid only his second group stage exit in 17 appearances at the year-ending showpiece, the stakes will be even higher for Djokovic.

Defeat would not only halt his bid to equal Federer's six titles but would also mean he cannot end the year ranked number one. Djokovic must reach at least the final to overhaul Rafael Nadal and equal Pete Sampras's feat of finishing a year ranked number one on six occasions.

He will have to recover quickly after being stretched to breaking point by Thiem in a match lasting nearly three hours.

"We go head to head with Roger. The winner goes to semis. Loser doesn't qualify. As simple as that," Djokovic, who led 4-1 in the final-set tiebreaker against Thiem, told reporters.

Thiem responded to losing a high-quality opening set in stunning fashion, ripping winners all over the blue court to take the second set and move a break ahead in the decider.

Few players know how to weather a storm quite like Djokovic though and when he broke back and had Thiem serving at 4-5, 30-30 it seemed he was closing in on victory.

He thought he had reached match point when Thiem's rasping forehand winner was called out but the Austrian challenged and Hawkeye ruled the ball had shaved the line.

Thiem broke in the next game but again Djokovic hit back to drag the match into a tiebreak.

Djokovic led 4-1 but Thiem would not be denied and reeled off five points in a row to give himself two match points.

Thiem thought he had served an ace at 6-4 but it was called out and this time his Hawkeye challenge was unsuccessful.

However, the Austrian made sure at the second time of asking as a weary Djokovic netted.

Generous in defeat, Djokovic said: "I thought he deserved to win. He just played very courageous tennis and was just smacking the ball. He went for broke.

"It was amazing. I have played him before. I know his game. But what he did tonight was just out of ordinary."

The 26-year-old Thiem is the first Austrian to reach the semi-finals of the tournament.

Federer was pushed hard by Berrettini in the first set as the Italian powerhouse showed the kind of form that has propelled him into the world's top 10.

But once Federer changed gear to claim 10 of 11 points to breeze through the first set tiebreak and break to love at the start of the second his 58th victory at the tournament was never in doubt. The 38-year-old's thoughts then turned to Djokovic.

"We'll find out, but I think it's all flushed away from my side," the 20-time Grand Slam winner said when asked if the memory of his Wimbledon loss to Djokovic was still bitter.

"I think we both can take away some confidence from the match. Him obviously a lot. Me maybe a tad bit less.

"But at the end of the day, I didn't hope I was never going to play him again. Actually, it's good for me to play him again, and maybe that all helps to get a chance to get him back or whatever it is. Personally, excited to play Novak on Thursday."

Novak Djokovic suffered defeat in a thriller against an inspired Dominic Thiem at the ATP Finals on Tuesday and now faces a showdown with great rival Roger Federer to decide who will reach the last four at the season-ender.

Novak Djokovic suffered defeat in a thriller against an inspired Dominic Thiem at the ATP Finals on Tuesday and now faces a showdown with great rival Roger Federer to decide who will reach the last four at the season-ender. Swiss Federer shrugged of defeat by Austria's Thiem in his opening group match to comfortably beat Italian Matteo Berrettini 7-6(2) 6-3 in the day's opening singles. But the real drama at The O2 arena came later when Thiem beat Djokovic 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(5) in the standout match of the tournament so far. World number five Thiem blazed 50 winners in a sensational display of aggressive hitting to claim his second group win and seal his first semi-final in his fourth appearance. Whatever his result against the already-eliminated Berrettini the Austrian will progress, but the only victory will do for Djokovic and Federer as they clash for the 49th time and first since Djokovic won an epic Wimbledon final in July. While Federer is trying to avoid only his second group stage exit in 17 appearances at the year-ending showpiece, the stakes will be even higher for Djokovic. Defeat would not only halt his bid to equal Federer's six titles but would also mean he cannot end the year ranked number one. Djokovic must reach at least the final to overhaul Rafael Nadal and equal Pete Sampras's feat of finishing a year ranked number one on six occasions. He will have to recover quickly after being stretched to breaking point by Thiem in a match lasting nearly three hours. "We go head to head with Roger. The winner goes to semis. Loser doesn't qualify. As simple as that," Djokovic, who led 4-1 in the final-set tiebreaker against Thiem, told reporters. Thiem responded to losing a high-quality opening set in stunning fashion, ripping winners all over the blue court to take the second set and move a break ahead in the decider. Few players know how to weather a storm quite like Djokovic though and when he broke back and had Thiem serving at 4-5, 30-30 it seemed he was closing in on victory. He thought he had reached match point when Thiem's rasping forehand winner was called out but the Austrian challenged and Hawkeye ruled the ball had shaved the line. Thiem broke in the next game but again Djokovic hit back to drag the match into a tiebreak. Djokovic led 4-1 but Thiem would not be denied and reeled off five points in a row to give himself two match points. Thiem thought he had served an ace at 6-4 but it was called out and this time his Hawkeye challenge was unsuccessful. However, the Austrian made sure at the second time of asking as a weary Djokovic netted. Generous in defeat, Djokovic said: "I thought he deserved to win. He just played very courageous tennis and was just smacking the ball. He went for broke. "It was amazing. I have played him before. I know his game. But what he did tonight was just out of ordinary." The 26-year-old Thiem is the first Austrian to reach the semi-finals of the tournament. Federer was pushed hard by Berrettini in the first set as the Italian powerhouse showed the kind of form that has propelled him into the world's top 10. But once Federer changed gear to claim 10 of 11 points to breeze through the first set tiebreak and break to love at the start of the second his 58th victory at the tournament was never in doubt. The 38-year-old's thoughts then turned to Djokovic. "We'll find out, but I think it's all flushed away from my side," the 20-time Grand Slam winner said when asked if the memory of his Wimbledon loss to Djokovic was still bitter. "I think we both can take away some confidence from the match. Him obviously a lot. Me maybe a tad bit less. "But at the end of the day, I didn't hope I was never going to play him again. Actually, it's good for me to play him again, and maybe that all helps to get a chance to get him back or whatever it is. Personally, excited to play Novak on Thursday."

ATP Finals: Federer eyes Djokovic after rebounding against Berrettini

Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrated victory over fellow ATP Finals debutant Daniil Medvedev like he had won the title on Monday as he finally snapped a jinx against his Russian bogeyman.

Tsitsipas, the first Greek player to qualify for the season-ender, had lost all five previous matches against Medvedev but he turned the tables in impressive fashion.

His 7-6(5) 6-4 win leaves the swashbuckling 21-year-old well-placed to challenge for a place in the semi-finals and the fact that he beat U.S. Open runner-up Medvedev appears to have made his O2 Arena bow extra sweet.

With contrasting styles and feisty demeanours both are tipped to win Grand Slam titles and the fact there appears to be 'bad chemistry' between them bodes well for the box office.

"It means more than extra. It's a victory that I craved for a long time now, and it's great that I came in at this moment," world number six Tsitsipas, told reporters.

"He's a tough player. He's a very difficult player to face. He's not giving you an easy time when you're out on the court. So it definitely means a lot."

Medvedev, 23, went on an incredible streak after Wimbledon this year, reaching six successive finals including at Flushing Meadow where he extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-alexander-zverev-tastes-first-victory-over-rafael-nadal-261539">Rafael Nadal</a> in a five-set thriller.

His form has cooled since then and although he raised his level against Tsitsipas the momentum was always with the Greek whose free-flowing, all-court style proved popular with the large afternoon crowd in London.

Playing the more adventurous tennis, Tsitsipas earned a set point in the opening tiebreak with a nerveless volley onto the sideline and converted when Medvedev netted a forehand.

World number four Medvedev saved three break points at 3-3 in the second but an error of judgement at 4-4 gave Tsitsipas another break point chance which this time he converted.

Tsitsipas claimed victory with a smash.

Medvedev played down suggestions that losing to Tsitsipas for the first time stung more, saying he was happy with the way he played after some poor form in the lead-up.

"He was better today, but I felt like I was missing some things," Medvedev said. "That would frustrate me against any other opponent. Of course, I wanted to make it even bigger head-to-head, but it's the way it is."

With fans and media craving new rivalries to carry the game forward when the sun sets on the golden age of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316">Roger Federer</a>, Nadal and Novak Djokovic, it is understandable that any potential bad blood between players is seized upon.

Tsistipas was asked outright why he does not like Medvedev.

"That's a strong statement, I never said I don't like him," he said before describing an incident in a match against Medvedev in Miami last year when words were exchanged.

"I mean, our chemistry definitely isn't the best that you can find on the tour," he said. "It just happens with people that it's not that you can just like everyone.

"It's not that I hate him. I guess as he said, we will not go to dinner together. I respect him, for sure."

Later in the Andre Agassi group world number one Rafael Nadal faces defending champion Alexander Zverev.

Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrated victory over fellow ATP Finals debutant Daniil Medvedev like he had won the title on Monday as he finally snapped a jinx against his Russian bogeyman.

Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrated victory over fellow ATP Finals debutant Daniil Medvedev like he had won the title on Monday as he finally snapped a jinx against his Russian bogeyman. Tsitsipas, the first Greek player to qualify for the season-ender, had lost all five previous matches against Medvedev but he turned the tables in impressive fashion. His 7-6(5) 6-4 win leaves the swashbuckling 21-year-old well-placed to challenge for a place in the semi-finals and the fact that he beat U.S. Open runner-up Medvedev appears to have made his O2 Arena bow extra sweet. With contrasting styles and feisty demeanours both are tipped to win Grand Slam titles and the fact there appears to be 'bad chemistry' between them bodes well for the box office. "It means more than extra. It's a victory that I craved for a long time now, and it's great that I came in at this moment," world number six Tsitsipas, told reporters. "He's a tough player. He's a very difficult player to face. He's not giving you an easy time when you're out on the court. So it definitely means a lot." Medvedev, 23, went on an incredible streak after Wimbledon this year, reaching six successive finals including at Flushing Meadow where he extended Rafael Nadal in a five-set thriller. His form has cooled since then and although he raised his level against Tsitsipas the momentum was always with the Greek whose free-flowing, all-court style proved popular with the large afternoon crowd in London. Playing the more adventurous tennis, Tsitsipas earned a set point in the opening tiebreak with a nerveless volley onto the sideline and converted when Medvedev netted a forehand. World number four Medvedev saved three break points at 3-3 in the second but an error of judgement at 4-4 gave Tsitsipas another break point chance which this time he converted. Tsitsipas claimed victory with a smash. Medvedev played down suggestions that losing to Tsitsipas for the first time stung more, saying he was happy with the way he played after some poor form in the lead-up. "He was better today, but I felt like I was missing some things," Medvedev said. "That would frustrate me against any other opponent. Of course, I wanted to make it even bigger head-to-head, but it's the way it is." With fans and media craving new rivalries to carry the game forward when the sun sets on the golden age of Roger Federer, Nadal and Novak Djokovic, it is understandable that any potential bad blood between players is seized upon. Tsistipas was asked outright why he does not like Medvedev. "That's a strong statement, I never said I don't like him," he said before describing an incident in a match against Medvedev in Miami last year when words were exchanged. "I mean, our chemistry definitely isn't the best that you can find on the tour," he said. "It just happens with people that it's not that you can just like everyone. "It's not that I hate him. I guess as he said, we will not go to dinner together. I respect him, for sure." Later in the Andre Agassi group world number one Rafael Nadal faces defending champion Alexander Zverev.

ATP Finals: Tsitsipas gets win he craved over Medvedev

It proved quite a day for ending losing streaks at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-djokovic-thrashes-berrettini-thiem-stuns-federer-261312">ATP Finals </a>on Monday as Alexander Zverev tasted a first victory over Rafael&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;after Stefanos Tsitsipas got the better of Russian bogeyman Daniil Medvedev.

Both Zverev and Tsitsipas walked out on the huge O2 Arena with 0-5 career records against their opponents but they turned the tables with a couple of dazzling displays.

Tsitsipas beat Medvedev 7-6(5) 6-4 before Germany's Zverev, the surprise title winner last year, thumped an out-of-kilter&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;6-2 6-4 to seal a rare hat-trick.

He might not have won a Grand Slam title yet but after beating <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-up-against-it-after-thiem-defeat-261316">Roger Federer</a> and Novak Djokovic in the semi-final and final last year, he opened his defence by outplaying&nbsp;Nadal.

The Spaniard, who took his major haul to 19 this year, has a patchy record at the tournament. He has never won the title, appeared only eight times despite qualifying on 15 occasions and on his last visit, in 2017, withdrew injured.

The world number one refused to blame an abdominal strain picked up this month in Paris for his poor showing.

"It was not a problem with the abdominal at all," the 33-year-old&nbsp;Nadal, who will face Medvedev in his second round-robin match in a repeat of the US&nbsp;Open final, told reporters.

"I did not feel pain. We can find reasons or excuses, but at the end of the day, all that really matters is I need to play much better in two days.

"I needed my best competitive spirit today, and I was not there in that way."

Zverev, 22, has salvaged what initially looked like being a poor year with a late-season flourish to qualify for the showpiece and he produced a confident display to dominate.

Serving regularly at 140mph and crunching angled groundstrokes, he gave&nbsp;Nadal's abdominals a thorough workout.

He took control by breaking in the fifth game and repeated the feat two games later when&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;blazed a wild forehand wide.

Some scintillating net play earned the German another break at the start of the second set. He stayed rock solid thereafter, not giving&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;even a sniff of a chance to make a comeback.

"It is obviously great," said the world number seven. "Everyone knows how much I have struggled the whole season. It means so much to be playing here again where I won my biggest title last season. It means everything to me."

In terms of&nbsp;Nadal's hopes of sealing the ATP year-end top ranking for a fifth time, nothing has changed.

He arrived in London with a 640-point lead over Djokovic. With 200 points for each group win, Djokovic cut that deficit on Sunday by thrashing Italian Matteo Berrettini.

Even if&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;suffered a recurrence of the injury or lost all of his group matches, Djokovic must still reach the final to overtake the Spaniard and match Pete Sampras's record of finishing a year as number one on six occasions.

Earlier on Monday a large crowd were treated to a high-quality duel between two players seemingly destined to be vying with Zverev for the games biggest prizes.

Tsitsipas gave a swashbuckling display against Medvedev in the first opening round-robin match between two debutants since 2007 and celebrated like he had won the title, a reaction perhaps born out of past friction between the two young guns.

"It means more than extra. It's a victory that I craved for a long time now," the 21-year-old Tsitsipas, the first Greek to qualify for the eight-man tournament, told reporters.

"Our chemistry definitely isn't the best that you can find on the Tour. It just happens with people that it's not that you can just like everyone." Tsitsipas plays Zverev on Wednesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-djokovic-has-world-number-one-nadal-in-his-sights-at-london-finale-260669">Five-time champion Djokovic</a> can close the gap further on&nbsp;Nadal&nbsp;on Tuesday when he takes on Austrian Dominic Thiem.

It proved quite a day for ending losing streaks at the ATP Finals on Monday as Alexander Zverev tasted a first victory over Rafael Nadal after Stefanos Tsitsipas got the better of Russian bogeyman Daniil Medvedev.

It proved quite a day for ending losing streaks at the ATP Finals on Monday as Alexander Zverev tasted a first victory over Rafael Nadal after Stefanos Tsitsipas got the better of Russian bogeyman Daniil Medvedev. Both Zverev and Tsitsipas walked out on the huge O2 Arena with 0-5 career records against their opponents but they turned the tables with a couple of dazzling displays. Tsitsipas beat Medvedev 7-6(5) 6-4 before Germany's Zverev, the surprise title winner last year, thumped an out-of-kilter Nadal 6-2 6-4 to seal a rare hat-trick. He might not have won a Grand Slam title yet but after beating Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the semi-final and final last year, he opened his defence by outplaying Nadal. The Spaniard, who took his major haul to 19 this year, has a patchy record at the tournament. He has never won the title, appeared only eight times despite qualifying on 15 occasions and on his last visit, in 2017, withdrew injured. The world number one refused to blame an abdominal strain picked up this month in Paris for his poor showing. "It was not a problem with the abdominal at all," the 33-year-old Nadal, who will face Medvedev in his second round-robin match in a repeat of the US Open final, told reporters. "I did not feel pain. We can find reasons or excuses, but at the end of the day, all that really matters is I need to play much better in two days. "I needed my best competitive spirit today, and I was not there in that way." Zverev, 22, has salvaged what initially looked like being a poor year with a late-season flourish to qualify for the showpiece and he produced a confident display to dominate. Serving regularly at 140mph and crunching angled groundstrokes, he gave Nadal's abdominals a thorough workout. He took control by breaking in the fifth game and repeated the feat two games later when Nadal blazed a wild forehand wide. Some scintillating net play earned the German another break at the start of the second set. He stayed rock solid thereafter, not giving Nadal even a sniff of a chance to make a comeback. "It is obviously great," said the world number seven. "Everyone knows how much I have struggled the whole season. It means so much to be playing here again where I won my biggest title last season. It means everything to me." In terms of Nadal's hopes of sealing the ATP year-end top ranking for a fifth time, nothing has changed. He arrived in London with a 640-point lead over Djokovic. With 200 points for each group win, Djokovic cut that deficit on Sunday by thrashing Italian Matteo Berrettini. Even if Nadal suffered a recurrence of the injury or lost all of his group matches, Djokovic must still reach the final to overtake the Spaniard and match Pete Sampras's record of finishing a year as number one on six occasions. Earlier on Monday a large crowd were treated to a high-quality duel between two players seemingly destined to be vying with Zverev for the games biggest prizes. Tsitsipas gave a swashbuckling display against Medvedev in the first opening round-robin match between two debutants since 2007 and celebrated like he had won the title, a reaction perhaps born out of past friction between the two young guns. "It means more than extra. It's a victory that I craved for a long time now," the 21-year-old Tsitsipas, the first Greek to qualify for the eight-man tournament, told reporters. "Our chemistry definitely isn't the best that you can find on the Tour. It just happens with people that it's not that you can just like everyone." Tsitsipas plays Zverev on Wednesday. Five-time champion Djokovic can close the gap further on Nadal on Tuesday when he takes on Austrian Dominic Thiem.

ATP Finals: Alexander Zverev tastes first victory over Rafael Nadal

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Roger Federer</a> said he had no more margin for error if he wanted to avoid an early exit at the ATP Finals after losing his opening group match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday.

The 38-year-old Swiss, bidding for his seventh title at the event but his first since 2011, struggled to handle Thiem's aggressive game as he went down 7-5 7-5.

Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer failed to survive the group phase, in 2008, and to avoid a repeat he will have to beat Italian Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday and most probably <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-djokovic-has-world-number-one-nadal-in-his-sights-at-london-finale-260669">Novak Djokovic </a>on Thursday.

Djokovic, aiming to claw back the year-end number one ranking from Rafael Nadal, destroyed debutant Berrettini 6-2 6-1 in the day's opening singles match at the O2 Arena.

Thiem put constant pressure on Federer and broke at 5-5 in each set to claim his third win over the Swiss this year.

"My forecast, it's a normal tournament from here on forward," 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer, beaten by Djokovic in an epic Wimbledon final in July, said.

"Not allowed to lose anymore for me. That's how it is every week of the year for the last 20 years, so from that standpoint there is nothing new there.

"I've got to recover, I've got make sure I play better than today, and hopefully I can win that match (against Berrettini)."

The warning signs were there in Federer's opening service game which he dropped and although he hit back impressively he faltered at 5-5 when Thiem hurried him into errors.

Federer had the majority of support in the packed arena but, try as he might, he could not find his A game in the second set as Thiem again dominated the baseline rallies.

Thiem, who has flourished this year since hiring coach Nicolas Massu after a slow start to the season, broke again at 5-5 and although Federer fought hard and had a point to take the set into a tiebreak he was unable to turn things around.

"I thought he played a tough first-round performance today, and my game was probably just not good enough, and the start didn't help," Federer said.

Thiem will face Djokovic on Tuesday.

Roger Federer said he had no more margin for error if he wanted to avoid an early exit at the ATP Finals after losing his opening group match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday.

Roger Federer said he had no more margin for error if he wanted to avoid an early exit at the ATP Finals after losing his opening group match to Dominic Thiem on Sunday. The 38-year-old Swiss, bidding for his seventh title at the event but his first since 2011, struggled to handle Thiem's aggressive game as he went down 7-5 7-5. Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer failed to survive the group phase, in 2008, and to avoid a repeat he will have to beat Italian Matteo Berrettini on Tuesday and most probably Novak Djokovic on Thursday. Djokovic, aiming to claw back the year-end number one ranking from Rafael Nadal, destroyed debutant Berrettini 6-2 6-1 in the day's opening singles match at the O2 Arena. Thiem put constant pressure on Federer and broke at 5-5 in each set to claim his third win over the Swiss this year. "My forecast, it's a normal tournament from here on forward," 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer, beaten by Djokovic in an epic Wimbledon final in July, said. "Not allowed to lose anymore for me. That's how it is every week of the year for the last 20 years, so from that standpoint there is nothing new there. "I've got to recover, I've got make sure I play better than today, and hopefully I can win that match (against Berrettini)." The warning signs were there in Federer's opening service game which he dropped and although he hit back impressively he faltered at 5-5 when Thiem hurried him into errors. Federer had the majority of support in the packed arena but, try as he might, he could not find his A game in the second set as Thiem again dominated the baseline rallies. Thiem, who has flourished this year since hiring coach Nicolas Massu after a slow start to the season, broke again at 5-5 and although Federer fought hard and had a point to take the set into a tiebreak he was unable to turn things around. "I thought he played a tough first-round performance today, and my game was probably just not good enough, and the start didn't help," Federer said. Thiem will face Djokovic on Tuesday.

ATP Finals: Federer up against it after Thiem defeat

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