India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court.

The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell.

"This being said, I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player. Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their genetics, guidance, discipline, environment they created and unconditional love they have always shown me throughout my life. I would not be who I am without your unstinting support and belief in me. I love you," Paes wrote in a post. 
 
In a long post, he thanked his sisters Jacquie and Maria who stood behind him in his life journey. He also thanked his daughter Aiyana and said she is his inspiration.

"I want to thank my two sisters Jacquie and Maria. They are my Rocks. Being older than me, they have brought me up to understand the ups and downs of life's journey. And have brought me up to understand how to be a gentleman as well as stand firm to our beliefs and morals that our parents have instilled in us. I love you two," the post read.

"I want to thank my daughter Aiyana, for teaching me that the most beautiful thing in the world is to have a daughter. You are my inspiration. Papa loves you," it added. 
 
The 46-year-old said that he will take part in selected tournaments in the coming year and will celebrate with his friends and fans around the world.

"I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments, travelling with my team and celebrating with all my friends and fans around the world. It is all of you who have inspired me to become me and I want to take this year to say "Thank you" to you," Paes wrote.

Paes has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour, in 1996-97; the Arjuna Award in 1990; the Padma Shri award in 2001; and India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan prize in January 2014, for his outstanding contribution to tennis.

He won a bronze medal for India in singles in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He competed in consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2016, making him the first Indian and only tennis player to compete at seven Olympic Games. (ANI)

&nbsp;

India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court. The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell.

India veteran tennis player Leander Paes on Wednesday announced that the coming year, 2020, will be his last year on the court. The player took to Instagram to wish fans a Merry Christmas and along with that he also announced 2020 as his farewell. "This being said, I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year as a pro tennis player. Firstly, I want to thank my parents for their genetics, guidance, discipline, environment they created and unconditional love they have always shown me throughout my life. I would not be who I am without your unstinting support and belief in me. I love you," Paes wrote in a post. In a long post, he thanked his sisters Jacquie and Maria who stood behind him in his life journey. He also thanked his daughter Aiyana and said she is his inspiration. "I want to thank my two sisters Jacquie and Maria. They are my Rocks. Being older than me, they have brought me up to understand the ups and downs of life's journey. And have brought me up to understand how to be a gentleman as well as stand firm to our beliefs and morals that our parents have instilled in us. I love you two," the post read. "I want to thank my daughter Aiyana, for teaching me that the most beautiful thing in the world is to have a daughter. You are my inspiration. Papa loves you," it added. The 46-year-old said that he will take part in selected tournaments in the coming year and will celebrate with his friends and fans around the world. "I am looking forward to the 2020 tennis calendar where I will be playing a few select tournaments, travelling with my team and celebrating with all my friends and fans around the world. It is all of you who have inspired me to become me and I want to take this year to say "Thank you" to you," Paes wrote. Paes has won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles Grand Slam titles. He received the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award, India's highest sporting honour, in 1996-97; the Arjuna Award in 1990; the Padma Shri award in 2001; and India's third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan prize in January 2014, for his outstanding contribution to tennis. He won a bronze medal for India in singles in the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. He competed in consecutive Olympics from 1992 to 2016, making him the first Indian and only tennis player to compete at seven Olympic Games. (ANI)

I want to announce 2020 as my farewell year: Leander Paes

Auckland&nbsp;Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US&nbsp;Open <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forgot-how-it-feels-to-lose-says-bianca-andreescu-after-14th-win-on-spin-252858">champion</a> Bianca&nbsp;Andreescu&nbsp;withdrawing due to "knee issues".

The Canadian teenager had been the top seed for the January&nbsp;6-12 tournament, which is a traditional warmup event for players fine-tuning their game ahead of the Australian Open.

"Organisers have been advised that Bianca&nbsp;Andreescu&nbsp;has had to withdraw from the upcoming event due to her ongoing knee issues," the tournament said in a statement on Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
NEWS | Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the 2020 ASB Classic due to her ongoing knee issues. We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery. <a href="https://t.co/7HVefuGLBe">pic.twitter.com/7HVefuGLBe</a>
— ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASB_Classic/status/1209307474345549829?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery."

Andreescu&nbsp;came through qualifying in&nbsp;Auckland&nbsp;earlier this year only to lose to Germany's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kontaveit-downs-defending-champion-julia-goerges-in-zhuhai-174649">Julia Goerges</a> in the final, which she used as a springboard for a sensational 2019.

She won her first WTA Tour title at Indian Wells, then beat Serena Williams in the finals in Toronto and again at Flushing Meadows to clinch her first Grand Slam title.

The&nbsp;Auckland&nbsp;tournament had assembled arguably its strongest ever field with&nbsp;Andreescu, Williams, former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko all confirmed.

Two-times Grand Slam winner <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fight-for-your-dreams-bianca-andreescu-embraces-path-to-us-open-joy-248384">Svetlana Kuznetsova</a> and American teenagers Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff have also entered the tournament before they head to Melbourne Park for the&nbsp;season-opening <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-sets-grand-slam-target-for-2020-269103">Grand Slam</a> that runs from January&nbsp;20 - February&nbsp;2.

Auckland Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US Open champion Bianca Andreescu withdrawing due to "knee issues".

Auckland Classic organisers suffered a major setback to their tournament lineup on Tuesday with US Open champion Bianca Andreescu withdrawing due to "knee issues". The Canadian teenager had been the top seed for the January 6-12 tournament, which is a traditional warmup event for players fine-tuning their game ahead of the Australian Open. "Organisers have been advised that Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the upcoming event due to her ongoing knee issues," the tournament said in a statement on Tuesday. NEWS | Bianca Andreescu has had to withdraw from the 2020 ASB Classic due to her ongoing knee issues. We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery. pic.twitter.com/7HVefuGLBe — ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) December 24, 2019 × "We are disappointed not to welcome Bianca back and wish her all the best for a speedy recovery." Andreescu came through qualifying in Auckland earlier this year only to lose to Germany's Julia Goerges in the final, which she used as a springboard for a sensational 2019. She won her first WTA Tour title at Indian Wells, then beat Serena Williams in the finals in Toronto and again at Flushing Meadows to clinch her first Grand Slam title. The Auckland tournament had assembled arguably its strongest ever field with Andreescu, Williams, former Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki and 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko all confirmed. Two-times Grand Slam winner Svetlana Kuznetsova and American teenagers Amanda Anisimova and Coco Gauff have also entered the tournament before they head to Melbourne Park for the season-opening Grand Slam that runs from January 20 - February 2.

Tennis: Bianca Andreescu out of season opener in Auckland over 'knee issues'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-clinches-maiden-atp-finals-after-beating-thiem-262805">Stefanos Tsitsipas</a> said he is targeting a Grand Slam in 2020 as part of his quest to finish the season in the top three of men's tennis, which has been dominated by Rafael Nadal, Novak <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-federer-eyes-djokovic-after-rebounding-against-berrettini-261773">Djokovic and Roger Federer</a> in recent seasons.

Tsitsipas was unable to claim his first major title at this year's Slams, two of which were won by the 33-year-old Nadal and two by the 32-year-old Djokovic, while the 38-year-old Federer came close to adding to his record 20 titles.

But the 21-year-old Greek ensured that the 'Big Three' will be looking over their shoulders in 2020 after winning the ATP Finals in London last month to finish the year ranked sixth.

"I understand that our tennis era is changing&nbsp;and our top three are getting older and we are the ones that are coming up," Tsitsipas told reporters in Abu Dhabi, where he is playing in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wins-fourth-mubadala-title-187259">Mubadala World Tennis Championship</a>.

"Nadal, Djokovic and Federer have always been there and they will be there and what I have to do is go the extra mile and surpass them,&nbsp;that's my biggest challenge for next year.

"My goals for next year would be to win a Grand Slam title, finish the year in the top three, make the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tsitsipas-thrashes-zverev-to-reach-atp-semis-262017">ATP World Finals</a> again and win a Masters 1000 event."

Tsitsipas, who begins his campaign in the exhibition event against Andrey Rublev on Thursday, said he would not put too much pressure on himself to win a Grand Slam.

"I don't want it to be a matter of life or death," Tsitsipas added. "I've been aggressive playing my tennis and I'm getting to know what works for me and what I need to focus on when I'm on court, so it all comes with experience.

"I didn't have that much experience before because I hadn't spent that much time playing, but the more I get to play the top guys and the more competitive games I play, I'll keep learning. You can't win if you don't lose, that's how it works."

Stefanos Tsitsipas said he is targeting a Grand Slam in 2020 as part of his quest to finish the season in the top three of men's tennis, which has been dominated by Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in recent seasons.

Stefanos Tsitsipas said he is targeting a Grand Slam in 2020 as part of his quest to finish the season in the top three of men's tennis, which has been dominated by Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer in recent seasons. Tsitsipas was unable to claim his first major title at this year's Slams, two of which were won by the 33-year-old Nadal and two by the 32-year-old Djokovic, while the 38-year-old Federer came close to adding to his record 20 titles. But the 21-year-old Greek ensured that the 'Big Three' will be looking over their shoulders in 2020 after winning the ATP Finals in London last month to finish the year ranked sixth. "I understand that our tennis era is changing and our top three are getting older and we are the ones that are coming up," Tsitsipas told reporters in Abu Dhabi, where he is playing in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. "Nadal, Djokovic and Federer have always been there and they will be there and what I have to do is go the extra mile and surpass them, that's my biggest challenge for next year. "My goals for next year would be to win a Grand Slam title, finish the year in the top three, make the ATP World Finals again and win a Masters 1000 event." Tsitsipas, who begins his campaign in the exhibition event against Andrey Rublev on Thursday, said he would not put too much pressure on himself to win a Grand Slam. "I don't want it to be a matter of life or death," Tsitsipas added. "I've been aggressive playing my tennis and I'm getting to know what works for me and what I need to focus on when I'm on court, so it all comes with experience. "I didn't have that much experience before because I hadn't spent that much time playing, but the more I get to play the top guys and the more competitive games I play, I'll keep learning. You can't win if you don't lose, that's how it works."

Tsitsipas sets Grand Slam target for 2020

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sumit Nagal easily won their opening singles battles on Friday to give India a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in a&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;clash moved to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-pakistan-davis-cup-tie-shifted-to-neutral- venue-259986">neutral territory</a> because of the arch-rivalry between the neighbours.&nbsp;

Ramanathan dispatched Muhammad Shoaib 6-0, 6-0 in 42 minutes in the first match in the Kazakhstan capital of Nur-Sultan.

Nagal then outplayed Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 6-0, 6-2 in one hour and four minutes.

India will travel to Croatia in March 2020 for the world group qualifiers if they win the best-of-five rubber.

The International Tennis Federation moved the Asia/Oceania Group 1 away from Islamabad because of India's security fears even though Pakistan opposed the decision.

Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the tie in protest, giving teenagers Shoaib and Rehman their chance alongside Yousaf Khalil.

The match was also pushed back from September because of the security fears, as the two countries were wrangling over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

The nuclear-armed neighbours split angrily in 1947 after independence from Britain and have fought three wars since. Sport has also suffered badly.

India cut bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan after attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that authorities blamed on Pakistani militants.

India last played a&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sumit Nagal easily won their opening singles battles on Friday to give India a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in a Davis Cup clash moved to neutral territory because of the arch-rivalry between the neighbours.

Ramkumar Ramanathan and Sumit Nagal easily won their opening singles battles on Friday to give India a 2-0 lead over Pakistan in a Davis Cup clash moved to neutral territory because of the arch-rivalry between the neighbours. Ramanathan dispatched Muhammad Shoaib 6-0, 6-0 in 42 minutes in the first match in the Kazakhstan capital of Nur-Sultan. Nagal then outplayed Huzaifa Abdul Rehman 6-0, 6-2 in one hour and four minutes. India will travel to Croatia in March 2020 for the world group qualifiers if they win the best-of-five rubber. The International Tennis Federation moved the Asia/Oceania Group 1 away from Islamabad because of India's security fears even though Pakistan opposed the decision. Pakistan's top players Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Aqeel Khan pulled out of the tie in protest, giving teenagers Shoaib and Rehman their chance alongside Yousaf Khalil. The match was also pushed back from September because of the security fears, as the two countries were wrangling over the disputed territory of Kashmir. The nuclear-armed neighbours split angrily in 1947 after independence from Britain and have fought three wars since. Sport has also suffered badly. India cut bilateral cricket ties with Pakistan after attacks in Mumbai in 2008 that authorities blamed on Pakistani militants. India last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

India lead 2-0 against arch rivals Pakistan on Day 1 of Davis Cup

Spain's talisman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-powers-spain-into-davis-cup-semis-novak-djokovics-serbia-ousted-263989">Rafael Nadal</a> sealed a sixth Davis Cup title for his country on Sunday when they beat <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-hurting-hewitt-pans-davis-cup-scheduling-after-australia-eliminated-263860">Canada</a> 2-0 in the final of the revamped event.

After a week of relentless tension and late-night heroics, it was perhaps asking too much for the first final in the Davis Cup's new guise to deliver a classic and so it proved as Spain became the last nation standing of the 18 who assembled in Madrid.

With Spain's King Felipe watching on, the 33-year-old Nadal fought off Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov 6-3 7-6(7) to give Spain their first title since 2011.

If any player deserved to get his hands on the famous old trophy again it was Nadal after he worked overtime all week, often into the small hours, to win all eight matches he played.

But he surely would have been happy had it been teammate Roberto Bautista Agut to have delivered the winning point.

Bautista Agut had given the hosts a flying start, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(3) 6-2 after returning to the squad following the death of his father.

"An amazing week in every way," said Nadal, who has now won 29 successive Davis Cup singles matches since 2004. "The vital person has been Roberto Bautista."

After beating Auger-Aliassime, Bautista Agut was embraced by his captain Sergi Bruguera and there were emotional scenes at the end as roars of "Campiones" echoed around the arena.

"It was a dream day and all the team members have made an incredible effort, especially Rafa, going to sleep at three, four and five in the morning and the next day going out to play," Bautista Agut said. "It can only be because we are Spanish."

For Gerard Pique, the Barcelona soccer player who has made revamping the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-and-zverev-mexico-city-match-breaks-world-attendance-record-264207">Davis Cup</a> into a tennis World Cup his mission, it was the perfect climax to a week in which the new format suffered glitches but could be judged a qualified success.

Too many late nights, one session finishing at 4.07 a.m., a complicated group stage and tiny crowds at some ties mean there is still lots to improve if the $80 million Pique's Kosmos company is investing in the event each year is sustainable.

But Sunday felt like an authentic Davis Cup final, even if an appearance from pop singer&nbsp;Shakira added a little more glamour than usual.

Once the tennis began it quickly became apparent that Canada captain Frank Dancevic's decision to change his lineup for the first time all week might have backfired.

Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150, had been outstanding all week, beating Italy's 12th-ranked Fabio Fognini and American Reilly Opelka in the group phase, taking down Australia's John Millman in the quarter-finals and partnering Shapovalov to a deciding doubles victory over Russia in the semi-final.

Auger-Aliassime, who has been out with an ankle injury, was given his first call of the week but was outplayed by a rock-solid Bautista Agut, who rejoined the squad on Saturday.

That left Shapovalov seemingly facing mission impossible and his only chance was Nadal's tank being dry.

Having come this far there was no chance Nadal would falter, not with 25,000 Spaniards roaring at every whipped winner.

When he took the opening set with a single break it was all feeling a little anti-climactic for the neutrals but Shapovalov injected some late drama into the proceedings.

The Canadian's serve began to click and his groundstrokes finally took the zip out of Nadal's legs.

Incredibly Nadal showed mercy at 6-4 in the tiebreak, failing to put away a short forehand, and Shapovalov arrowed a winner down the line. The Canadian cheered on by hundreds of his countrymen, saved another match point then had a set point of his own but Nadal averted the danger with a heavy serve.

Nadal got to a third match point and this time Shapovalov could not fight back.

Spain's talisman Rafael Nadal sealed a sixth Davis Cup title for his country on Sunday when they beat Canada 2-0 in the final of the revamped event. After a week of relentless tension and late-night heroics, it was perhaps asking too much for the first final in the Davis Cup's new guise to deliver a classic and so it proved as Spain became the last nation standing of the 18 who assembled in Madrid.

Spain's talisman Rafael Nadal sealed a sixth Davis Cup title for his country on Sunday when they beat Canada 2-0 in the final of the revamped event. After a week of relentless tension and late-night heroics, it was perhaps asking too much for the first final in the Davis Cup's new guise to deliver a classic and so it proved as Spain became the last nation standing of the 18 who assembled in Madrid. With Spain's King Felipe watching on, the 33-year-old Nadal fought off Canadian youngster Denis Shapovalov 6-3 7-6(7) to give Spain their first title since 2011. If any player deserved to get his hands on the famous old trophy again it was Nadal after he worked overtime all week, often into the small hours, to win all eight matches he played. But he surely would have been happy had it been teammate Roberto Bautista Agut to have delivered the winning point. Bautista Agut had given the hosts a flying start, beating Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6(3) 6-2 after returning to the squad following the death of his father. "An amazing week in every way," said Nadal, who has now won 29 successive Davis Cup singles matches since 2004. "The vital person has been Roberto Bautista." After beating Auger-Aliassime, Bautista Agut was embraced by his captain Sergi Bruguera and there were emotional scenes at the end as roars of "Campiones" echoed around the arena. "It was a dream day and all the team members have made an incredible effort, especially Rafa, going to sleep at three, four and five in the morning and the next day going out to play," Bautista Agut said. "It can only be because we are Spanish." For Gerard Pique, the Barcelona soccer player who has made revamping the Davis Cup into a tennis World Cup his mission, it was the perfect climax to a week in which the new format suffered glitches but could be judged a qualified success. Too many late nights, one session finishing at 4.07 a.m., a complicated group stage and tiny crowds at some ties mean there is still lots to improve if the $80 million Pique's Kosmos company is investing in the event each year is sustainable. But Sunday felt like an authentic Davis Cup final, even if an appearance from pop singer Shakira added a little more glamour than usual. Once the tennis began it quickly became apparent that Canada captain Frank Dancevic's decision to change his lineup for the first time all week might have backfired. Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150, had been outstanding all week, beating Italy's 12th-ranked Fabio Fognini and American Reilly Opelka in the group phase, taking down Australia's John Millman in the quarter-finals and partnering Shapovalov to a deciding doubles victory over Russia in the semi-final. Auger-Aliassime, who has been out with an ankle injury, was given his first call of the week but was outplayed by a rock-solid Bautista Agut, who rejoined the squad on Saturday. That left Shapovalov seemingly facing mission impossible and his only chance was Nadal's tank being dry. Having come this far there was no chance Nadal would falter, not with 25,000 Spaniards roaring at every whipped winner. When he took the opening set with a single break it was all feeling a little anti-climactic for the neutrals but Shapovalov injected some late drama into the proceedings. The Canadian's serve began to click and his groundstrokes finally took the zip out of Nadal's legs. Incredibly Nadal showed mercy at 6-4 in the tiebreak, failing to put away a short forehand, and Shapovalov arrowed a winner down the line. The Canadian cheered on by hundreds of his countrymen, saved another match point then had a set point of his own but Nadal averted the danger with a heavy serve. Nadal got to a third match point and this time Shapovalov could not fight back.

Rafael Nadal leads Spain to Davis Cup win over Canada

Rafael Nadal admitted he gave everything he had left to lead Spain to their <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-delivers-glory-for-spain-as-davis-cup-starts-new-era-264332">sixth Davis Cup success</a> on Sunday after they beat Canada in the final in Madrid.

Nadal's 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Shapovalov confirmed another triumph for Spain after Roberto Bautista Agut had earlier seen off Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

All five of Spain's squad played a part over the course of the week but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-rafael-nadal-sparks-spanish-comeback-levels-group-b-tie-263277">Nadal's colossal effort</a> in front of the home fans at the Caja Magica proved the difference.

The 33-year-old won eight out of eight rubbers, including two in the singles and doubles in a pulsating win over Britain on Saturday and then the decisive match that clinched the title against Shapovalov.

"I played one of the toughest possible opponents at the end of a long and difficult week, physically too because I put into this whole event all the energy that I had inside me," said Nadal.

"Honestly it's the perfect end to the season for all of us. We know how difficult it is to win this and how difficult it will be to win it again. We knew we had to convert this opportunity."

Feliciano Lopez, who played alongside Nadal during Spain's doubles win against Britain's Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski on Saturday, said Nadal had been a "super-hero".

"There are things you can't describe with words," said Lopez. "The things he produced in doubles yesterday and then today against Shapovalov are things only Rafa can do.

"If you ask me for my opinion, I will tell you he is a super-hero. He can do things none of us can do. He is a great person and an extraordinary tennis player."

At the end of his win, Nadal hoisted up Bautista Agut, who had returned to the team after withdrawing on Thursday due to the death of his father Joaquin.

"It was very difficult," Bautista Agut said. "I took the decision to go home on Thursday morning and I was back yesterday (Saturday) afternoon to support the team.

"I had the opportunity to play today (Sunday) because all the team and all the players and the rest of the team have made an unbelievable effort since the first day. It was an amazing feeling on the court."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-hurting-hewitt-pans-davis-cup-scheduling-after-australia-eliminated-263860">Canada</a> were playing in their first-ever final in the 119-year-old competition and with Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime, aged 20 and 19 respectively, their Davis Cup prospects look strong.

"Tennis is really hot right now in Canada," said Canada's team captain Frank Dancevic. "It's really wonderful to see this young generation is playing so well. We have a really bright future ahead of us."

"The Canadian team are amazing," added Nadal. "Probably they are going to be one of those teams that will be almost unbeatable in the next couple of years."

Rafael Nadal admitted he gave everything he had left to lead Spain to their sixth Davis Cup success on Sunday after they beat Canada in the final in Madrid. Nadal's 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Shapovalov confirmed another triumph for Spain after Roberto Bautista Agut had earlier seen off Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7/3), 6-3.

Rafael Nadal admitted he gave everything he had left to lead Spain to their sixth Davis Cup success on Sunday after they beat Canada in the final in Madrid. Nadal's 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) victory over Shapovalov confirmed another triumph for Spain after Roberto Bautista Agut had earlier seen off Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-6 (7/3), 6-3. All five of Spain's squad played a part over the course of the week but Nadal's colossal effort in front of the home fans at the Caja Magica proved the difference. The 33-year-old won eight out of eight rubbers, including two in the singles and doubles in a pulsating win over Britain on Saturday and then the decisive match that clinched the title against Shapovalov. "I played one of the toughest possible opponents at the end of a long and difficult week, physically too because I put into this whole event all the energy that I had inside me," said Nadal. "Honestly it's the perfect end to the season for all of us. We know how difficult it is to win this and how difficult it will be to win it again. We knew we had to convert this opportunity." Feliciano Lopez, who played alongside Nadal during Spain's doubles win against Britain's Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski on Saturday, said Nadal had been a "super-hero". "There are things you can't describe with words," said Lopez. "The things he produced in doubles yesterday and then today against Shapovalov are things only Rafa can do. "If you ask me for my opinion, I will tell you he is a super-hero. He can do things none of us can do. He is a great person and an extraordinary tennis player." At the end of his win, Nadal hoisted up Bautista Agut, who had returned to the team after withdrawing on Thursday due to the death of his father Joaquin. "It was very difficult," Bautista Agut said. "I took the decision to go home on Thursday morning and I was back yesterday (Saturday) afternoon to support the team. "I had the opportunity to play today (Sunday) because all the team and all the players and the rest of the team have made an unbelievable effort since the first day. It was an amazing feeling on the court." Canada were playing in their first-ever final in the 119-year-old competition and with Shapovalov and Auger-Aliassime, aged 20 and 19 respectively, their Davis Cup prospects look strong. "Tennis is really hot right now in Canada," said Canada's team captain Frank Dancevic. "It's really wonderful to see this young generation is playing so well. We have a really bright future ahead of us." "The Canadian team are amazing," added Nadal. "Probably they are going to be one of those teams that will be almost unbeatable in the next couple of years."

I had nothing left to give, says Rafael Nadal after Spain win Davis Cup

<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

Canada booked their place in the Davis Cup semi-finals as Vasek Pospisil and Denis Shapovalov won the deciding rubber against Australia on Thursday.

The 150th-ranked Pospisil, who has had an inspired week in Madrid, gave Canada the lead by beating John Millman 7-6(7) 6-4 in the opening singles at La Caja Magica.

Shapovalov came close to clinching the deal against Alex De Minaur, only to lose 3-6 6-3 7-5, but he recovered to join Pospisil and defeat Jordan Thompson and John Peers 6-4 6-4.

Canada will face either Serbia or Russia in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Canada booked their place in the Davis Cup semi-finals as Vasek Pospisil and Denis Shapovalov won the deciding rubber against Australia on Thursday. The 150th-ranked Pospisil, who has had an inspired week in Madrid, gave Canada the lead by beating John Millman 7-6(7) 6-4 in the opening singles at La Caja Magica.

Canada booked their place in the Davis Cup semi-finals as Vasek Pospisil and Denis Shapovalov won the deciding rubber against Australia on Thursday. The 150th-ranked Pospisil, who has had an inspired week in Madrid, gave Canada the lead by beating John Millman 7-6(7) 6-4 in the opening singles at La Caja Magica. Shapovalov came close to clinching the deal against Alex De Minaur, only to lose 3-6 6-3 7-5, but he recovered to join Pospisil and defeat Jordan Thompson and John Peers 6-4 6-4. Canada will face either Serbia or Russia in the semi-finals on Saturday.

Canada see off Australia to reach Davis Cup semis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-pakistan-davis-cup-tie-shifted-to-neutral-venue-259986">India and Pakistan's Davis Cup</a> tie originally scheduled to take place in Islamabad will now be played in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Wednesday.

The Asia/Oceania Group I match had initially been planned for September, but was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-pakistan-davis-cup-tie-postponed-to-november-244872">pushed back to November</a> 29-30 after safety fears were raised by India amid tensions between the neighbouring nations over Kashmir.

The move comes after the ITF's Davis Cup Committee rejected on Tuesday the Pakistan Tennis Federation's appeal against the decision to move the match from Islamabad.

"The Davis Cup Committee has voted in favour of the tie being hosted by the ITF on neutral ground at the National Tennis Centre in Nur-Sultan (previously Astana) on 29-30 November," The ITF said in a statement.

The match was moved from Islamabad on November 4 following a review the ITF's independent security advisors.

An Indian tennis team last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

India and Pakistan's Davis Cup tie originally scheduled to take place in Islamabad will now be played in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Wednesday.

India and Pakistan's Davis Cup tie originally scheduled to take place in Islamabad will now be played in Kazakhstan's capital Nur-Sultan, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Wednesday. The Asia/Oceania Group I match had initially been planned for September, but was pushed back to November 29-30 after safety fears were raised by India amid tensions between the neighbouring nations over Kashmir. The move comes after the ITF's Davis Cup Committee rejected on Tuesday the Pakistan Tennis Federation's appeal against the decision to move the match from Islamabad. "The Davis Cup Committee has voted in favour of the tie being hosted by the ITF on neutral ground at the National Tennis Centre in Nur-Sultan (previously Astana) on 29-30 November," The ITF said in a statement. The match was moved from Islamabad on November 4 following a review the ITF's independent security advisors. An Indian tennis team last played a Davis Cup tie in Pakistan in 1964, when they beat the hosts 4-0. Pakistan lost 3-2 when they played in Mumbai in 2006.

India and Pakistan's Davis Cup clash to be held in Kazakhstan

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

The Davis Cup has a new format but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-guarantees-for-andy-murray-at-davis-cup-smith-263084">Andy Murray's</a> love of a comeback remains intact after the Scot battled from behind to beat Tallon Griekspoor on Wednesday as Great Britain edged past Holland.

Murray came from a set down and then trailed 4-1 in the decider in Madrid before beating the spirited Griekspoor, ranked 179 in the world, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).

"I've found a way to win matches many times in my career when I've not been playing well," Murray said. "You can draw on that a little bit."

A scrappy victory gave Great Britain the lead in their opening Group E tie and while Dan Evans lost the second singles rubber to Robin Haase, Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski finished the job in the doubles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-rafael-nadal-sparks-spanish-comeback-levels-group-b-tie-263277">Rafael Nadal</a> won his 26th consecutive Davis Cup singles match later on Wednesday as Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over defending champions Croatia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-novak-djokovics-hopes-crushed-as-roger-federer-serves-up-a-masterclass-262232">Novak Djokovic</a>, meanwhile, cruised past Yoshihito Nishioka to help Serbia beat Japan by the same scoreline.

Murray had given short shrift on Tuesday to those he believes have been too quick to criticise the revamped Davis Cup, which for the first time is featuring all 18 World Group countries competing for the trophy across a single week in one venue.&nbsp;

And in what will be music to the ears of the organisers, among them Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, Murray was full of praise for the atmosphere inside the Caja Magica's cosy Stadium 3.&nbsp;

"The atmosphere was brilliant," Murray said afterwards. "That was the one concern I had about the event, about it being on neutral ground, but it was great."&nbsp;

British fans have been second only to Spanish in terms of tickets sold so far and the strong attendance for Murray's opener inside the tournament's smallest court, with a capacity of 2,500, has not been consistent across other morning matches.&nbsp;

Murray, along with Nadal and Djokovic, is one of the competition's biggest attractions this week and Britain's prospects of progressing to the quater-finals look good ahead of Thursday's tie against Kazakhstan.&nbsp;

It remains to be seen whether Murray plays or is rested against the Kazakhs but he was given a stiff workout by the 23-year-old Griekspoor, who was a surprise pick in the Dutch team ahead of Botic Van de Zandschlup.&nbsp;

"About an hour before the match it changed," said Murray. "I didn't know much about his game."&nbsp;

But Murray again dug deep, his experience and resilience proving the difference as Griekspoor lost his nerve and then the match.&nbsp;

Haase outlasted Evans 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 while Jamie Murray and Skupski held on for a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) win over Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Rojer.

Djokovic enjoyed a more comfortable start as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Nishioka in a straightforward win for Serbia against Japan.&nbsp;

Serbia will play France on Thursday to decide who goes through as winners of Group A.

"It's probably one of the biggest challenges we can have in this competition, playing against France, one of the most successful nations in Davis Cup, and definitely one of the strongest teams," Djokovic said.

Nadal saw off Croatia's Borna Gojo 6-4, 6-3 and then helped Spain win the doubles rubber alongside Marcel Granollers.

Argentina could have secured progress by beating Germany but lost all three matches as Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Guido Pella and Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Diego Schwartzman to establish an unassailable advantage. Germany will advance if they beat Chile on Thursday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-finally-beat-us-to-reach-davis-cup-last-eight-263273">Canada are already through</a> and will meet Australia in the last eight on Thursday, after Leyton Hewitt's team beat Belgium 2-1.&nbsp;

The Davis Cup has a new format but Andy Murray's love of a comeback remains intact after the Scot battled from behind to beat Tallon Griekspoor on Wednesday as Great Britain edged past Holland.

The Davis Cup has a new format but Andy Murray's love of a comeback remains intact after the Scot battled from behind to beat Tallon Griekspoor on Wednesday as Great Britain edged past Holland. Murray came from a set down and then trailed 4-1 in the decider in Madrid before beating the spirited Griekspoor, ranked 179 in the world, 6-7 (7/9), 6-4, 7-6 (7/5). "I've found a way to win matches many times in my career when I've not been playing well," Murray said. "You can draw on that a little bit." A scrappy victory gave Great Britain the lead in their opening Group E tie and while Dan Evans lost the second singles rubber to Robin Haase, Jamie Murray and Neal Skupski finished the job in the doubles. Rafael Nadal won his 26th consecutive Davis Cup singles match later on Wednesday as Spain booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-0 victory over defending champions Croatia. Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, cruised past Yoshihito Nishioka to help Serbia beat Japan by the same scoreline. Murray had given short shrift on Tuesday to those he believes have been too quick to criticise the revamped Davis Cup, which for the first time is featuring all 18 World Group countries competing for the trophy across a single week in one venue. And in what will be music to the ears of the organisers, among them Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique, Murray was full of praise for the atmosphere inside the Caja Magica's cosy Stadium 3. "The atmosphere was brilliant," Murray said afterwards. "That was the one concern I had about the event, about it being on neutral ground, but it was great." British fans have been second only to Spanish in terms of tickets sold so far and the strong attendance for Murray's opener inside the tournament's smallest court, with a capacity of 2,500, has not been consistent across other morning matches. Murray, along with Nadal and Djokovic, is one of the competition's biggest attractions this week and Britain's prospects of progressing to the quater-finals look good ahead of Thursday's tie against Kazakhstan. It remains to be seen whether Murray plays or is rested against the Kazakhs but he was given a stiff workout by the 23-year-old Griekspoor, who was a surprise pick in the Dutch team ahead of Botic Van de Zandschlup. "About an hour before the match it changed," said Murray. "I didn't know much about his game." But Murray again dug deep, his experience and resilience proving the difference as Griekspoor lost his nerve and then the match. Haase outlasted Evans 6-3, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4 while Jamie Murray and Skupski held on for a 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) win over Wesley Koolhof and Jean-Julien Rojer. Djokovic enjoyed a more comfortable start as he cruised to a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Nishioka in a straightforward win for Serbia against Japan. Serbia will play France on Thursday to decide who goes through as winners of Group A. "It's probably one of the biggest challenges we can have in this competition, playing against France, one of the most successful nations in Davis Cup, and definitely one of the strongest teams," Djokovic said. Nadal saw off Croatia's Borna Gojo 6-4, 6-3 and then helped Spain win the doubles rubber alongside Marcel Granollers. Argentina could have secured progress by beating Germany but lost all three matches as Philipp Kohlschreiber beat Guido Pella and Jan-Lennard Struff overcame Diego Schwartzman to establish an unassailable advantage. Germany will advance if they beat Chile on Thursday. Canada are already through and will meet Australia in the last eight on Thursday, after Leyton Hewitt's team beat Belgium 2-1.

Andy Murray leads Britain to opening Davis Cup win, Spain reach last eight

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday in Madrid's La Caja Magica,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-knocked-out-from-atp-finals-despite-win-over-stefanos-tsitsipas-zverev-through-to-semis-262521"> Rafael Nadal</a> punched the air as chants of "Rafa, Rafa" echoed around the arena and the Davis Cup Finals burst into life.

After generally disappointing attendances so far at the glitzy new version of the 119-year-old competition, a sell-out crowd in the cavernous 12,500-seat stadium roared the world number one to a 6-3 7-6(7) win over Russia's Karen Khachanov.

While the reaction to Nadal's victory sounded like Spain had won the old trophy for a sixth time it actually just levelled the Group B tie at 1-1.

The victory would come shortly before 2 a.m. when veteran duo Feliciano Lopez and Marcel Granollers beat Khachanov and Andrey Rublev 6-4 7-6 to clinch a 2-1 win.

With Russia having beaten defending champions Croatia 3-0 on Monday there was some anxiety on the Spain bench when Rublev surged back to beat Wimbledon semi-finalist Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 7-6(0) and put them ahead.

That left the 33-year-old Nadal with no margin for error against dangerous world number 17 Khachanov. But if ever there is a man for a crisis it is Nadal.

He had won his last 24 Davis Cup singles rubbers since losing on his debut in 2004 and was not about to stop now, not on home soil with his country depending on him.

Khachanov stretched him to breaking point at times, especially in the second set, but the 19-times Grand Slam champion fought off a set point before claiming victory.

Afterwards he said the new format, with ties consisting of three rubbers rather than the traditional five, made things dangerous for the fancied nations.

"The format makes things very difficult because every mistake puts you in a position that you don't want to be," Nadal told reporters, anxiously peering at the television to keep track of his compatriots playing doubles.

"The atmosphere has been amazing. The only negative thing in my opinion is we are just starting the last match at 1 a.m. That makes big trouble for us, for the players and the people who come to the stadium because tomorrow is a work day."

Spain can reach the quarter-finals on Wednesday by beating Croatia, who axed captain Zeljko Krajan two days before their opening tie and will be without injured talisman Marin Cilic.

Canada's tennis resurgence continued as they became the first nation through to the last eight after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/canada-finally-beat-us-to-reach-davis-cup-last-eight-263273">beating the United States</a> for the first time in 16 attempts.

Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150th in the world, edged youngster Reilly Opelka 7-6(5) 7-6(7) before Denis Shapovalov beat Taylor Fritz. The Canadians' second 2-1 win, having beaten Italy on Monday, sealed top spot in Group F.

"Right now, Canada is really in the best place it's been in

tennis history," Pospisil said.

Canada could face Australia in the last eight after Nick Kyrgios returned from a two-month lay-off to put his team on their way to a 3-0 win over Colombia in Group D.

Australia face Belgium in a group decider on Wednesday.

Top seeds and last year's runners-up France had a close shave as they beat Japan 2-1, Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert winning the decisive doubles 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5 against Ben McLachlan and Yasutaka Uchiyama.

There were no French fans there to watch it, however.

The Les Bleus supporters club has boycotted the event in protest at radical changes that have largely replaced the 10-month long home and away knockout format with an 18-nation season-ender in a single city, played over seven hectic days.

"Actually, it was pretty special because it was the first time I hear myself singing La Marseillaise," Herbert joked.

Argentina beat Chile 3-0 in Group C while in Group E Kazakhstan edged the Netherlands 2-1.

The six group winners and two best-placed runners-up progress to the quarter-finals.

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday in Madrid's La Caja Magica, Rafael Nadal punched the air as chants of "Rafa, Rafa" echoed around the arena and the Davis Cup Finals burst into life.

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday in Madrid's La Caja Magica, Rafael Nadal punched the air as chants of "Rafa, Rafa" echoed around the arena and the Davis Cup Finals burst into life. After generally disappointing attendances so far at the glitzy new version of the 119-year-old competition, a sell-out crowd in the cavernous 12,500-seat stadium roared the world number one to a 6-3 7-6(7) win over Russia's Karen Khachanov. While the reaction to Nadal's victory sounded like Spain had won the old trophy for a sixth time it actually just levelled the Group B tie at 1-1. The victory would come shortly before 2 a.m. when veteran duo Feliciano Lopez and Marcel Granollers beat Khachanov and Andrey Rublev 6-4 7-6 to clinch a 2-1 win. With Russia having beaten defending champions Croatia 3-0 on Monday there was some anxiety on the Spain bench when Rublev surged back to beat Wimbledon semi-finalist Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6 6-3 7-6(0) and put them ahead. That left the 33-year-old Nadal with no margin for error against dangerous world number 17 Khachanov. But if ever there is a man for a crisis it is Nadal. He had won his last 24 Davis Cup singles rubbers since losing on his debut in 2004 and was not about to stop now, not on home soil with his country depending on him. Khachanov stretched him to breaking point at times, especially in the second set, but the 19-times Grand Slam champion fought off a set point before claiming victory. Afterwards he said the new format, with ties consisting of three rubbers rather than the traditional five, made things dangerous for the fancied nations. "The format makes things very difficult because every mistake puts you in a position that you don't want to be," Nadal told reporters, anxiously peering at the television to keep track of his compatriots playing doubles. "The atmosphere has been amazing. The only negative thing in my opinion is we are just starting the last match at 1 a.m. That makes big trouble for us, for the players and the people who come to the stadium because tomorrow is a work day." Spain can reach the quarter-finals on Wednesday by beating Croatia, who axed captain Zeljko Krajan two days before their opening tie and will be without injured talisman Marin Cilic. Canada's tennis resurgence continued as they became the first nation through to the last eight after beating the United States for the first time in 16 attempts. Vasek Pospisil, ranked 150th in the world, edged youngster Reilly Opelka 7-6(5) 7-6(7) before Denis Shapovalov beat Taylor Fritz. The Canadians' second 2-1 win, having beaten Italy on Monday, sealed top spot in Group F. "Right now, Canada is really in the best place it's been in tennis history," Pospisil said. Canada could face Australia in the last eight after Nick Kyrgios returned from a two-month lay-off to put his team on their way to a 3-0 win over Colombia in Group D. Australia face Belgium in a group decider on Wednesday. Top seeds and last year's runners-up France had a close shave as they beat Japan 2-1, Nicolas Mahut and Pierre-Hugues Herbert winning the decisive doubles 6-7(4) 6-4 7-5 against Ben McLachlan and Yasutaka Uchiyama. There were no French fans there to watch it, however. The Les Bleus supporters club has boycotted the event in protest at radical changes that have largely replaced the 10-month long home and away knockout format with an 18-nation season-ender in a single city, played over seven hectic days. "Actually, it was pretty special because it was the first time I hear myself singing La Marseillaise," Herbert joked. Argentina beat Chile 3-0 in Group C while in Group E Kazakhstan edged the Netherlands 2-1. The six group winners and two best-placed runners-up progress to the quarter-finals.

Davis Cup: Rafael Nadal sparks Spanish comeback, levels Group B tie

Canada became the first nation to reach the quarter-finals of the revamped <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-guarantees-for-andy-murray-at-davis-cup-smith-263084">Davis Cup</a> on Tuesday after beating the United States for the first time at the 16th attempt.

For the second day in a row, 150th-ranked Vasek Pospisil gave them the perfect start before 20-year-old Denis Shapovalov finished the job to make it two wins from two in Group F.

Pospisil, who upset the rankings to beat Italy's Fabio Fognini in their opening tie, edged out towering American youngster Reilly Opelka 7-6(5) 7-6(7) to the delight of a vocal Canadian contingent in the stands.

"Canada is really in the best place it's been in tennis history," Pospisil told reporters.

"We have incredible young talents in Denis, Felix (Auger Aliassime), Bianca (Andreescu), and then some older guys... myself now and Milos (Raonic). It's just currently right now we're on a run and we have tons of great players."

Shapovalov, who reached the Paris Masters final this month and has risen to 15th in the rankings, then beat Taylor Fritz 7-6 6-3 to seal the win.

The doubles rubber was conceded by the Canadians as three of their players were declared unfit to play, an ITF spokesman said, so the final result was 2-1 to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-raonic-withdraws-from-canadas-davis-cup-team-261552">Canada</a>, the same scoreline by which they beat Italy by Monday.

"USA will get one match win and a 6-0 6-0 scoreline in terms of sets and games won. If Italy defeats US, it will have no impact at all," the ITF said in a statement.

Canada captain Frank Dancevic said they conceded the doubles to avoid risk of injury.

"We had a very, very tough two days," he said. "The guys put their hearts on the line out on the court and ... they had some injuries that we didn't want to risk going into the doubles today.

"There was a risk to get hurt going into the practices tomorrow and later on in the week. So it's best to pull out."

The 18 nations taking part at La Caja Magica are split into six groups with the group winners and two best runners-up moving through to the quarter-finals on Thursday and Friday.

Tuesday's clash was the first between the north American neighbours since 1965. Canada had lost the last four meetings, all played under the old five-rubber system, 5-0.

The United States have won a record 32 Davis Cups but none since 2007.

Canada became the first nation to reach the quarter-finals of the revamped Davis Cup on Tuesday after beating the United States for the first time at the 16th attempt.

Canada became the first nation to reach the quarter-finals of the revamped Davis Cup on Tuesday after beating the United States for the first time at the 16th attempt. For the second day in a row, 150th-ranked Vasek Pospisil gave them the perfect start before 20-year-old Denis Shapovalov finished the job to make it two wins from two in Group F. Pospisil, who upset the rankings to beat Italy's Fabio Fognini in their opening tie, edged out towering American youngster Reilly Opelka 7-6(5) 7-6(7) to the delight of a vocal Canadian contingent in the stands. "Canada is really in the best place it's been in tennis history," Pospisil told reporters. "We have incredible young talents in Denis, Felix (Auger Aliassime), Bianca (Andreescu), and then some older guys... myself now and Milos (Raonic). It's just currently right now we're on a run and we have tons of great players." Shapovalov, who reached the Paris Masters final this month and has risen to 15th in the rankings, then beat Taylor Fritz 7-6 6-3 to seal the win. The doubles rubber was conceded by the Canadians as three of their players were declared unfit to play, an ITF spokesman said, so the final result was 2-1 to Canada, the same scoreline by which they beat Italy by Monday. "USA will get one match win and a 6-0 6-0 scoreline in terms of sets and games won. If Italy defeats US, it will have no impact at all," the ITF said in a statement. Canada captain Frank Dancevic said they conceded the doubles to avoid risk of injury. "We had a very, very tough two days," he said. "The guys put their hearts on the line out on the court and ... they had some injuries that we didn't want to risk going into the doubles today. "There was a risk to get hurt going into the practices tomorrow and later on in the week. So it's best to pull out." The 18 nations taking part at La Caja Magica are split into six groups with the group winners and two best runners-up moving through to the quarter-finals on Thursday and Friday. Tuesday's clash was the first between the north American neighbours since 1965. Canada had lost the last four meetings, all played under the old five-rubber system, 5-0. The United States have won a record 32 Davis Cups but none since 2007.

In 16th attempt, Canada finally beat US to reach Davis Cup last eight

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-finals-novak-djokovics-hopes-crushed-as- roger-federer-serves-up-a-masterclass-262232">Roger&nbsp;Federer</a>&nbsp;first thought about how long his playing career would last in 2009 but a decade later the 38-year-old is still going strong and says he will keeping playing until his body decides otherwise.

Federer&nbsp;won his last Grand Slam in January 2018 when he claimed his sixth Australian Open but the Swiss has won seven ATP titles since then, taking his career tally to 103.

Federer, who ended the year behind Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the world rankings, said he cannot predict when he will stop playing.

"My retirement will depend on my health. At the moment I do not see any reason to retire," the 20-times Grand Slam champion told reporters ahead of his exhibition matches in South America.

"I did not think I would play beyond 35, 36 years and here I am. I am doing well physically. I cannot predict when it will be the time to stop.

"I think in 2009 I questioned it for the first time. (It has been) 10 years and here I am. I'm exactly where I wanted to be at this age."

Federer&nbsp;is six titles shy of American Jimmy Connors' record of 109 in the Open era.

"With age everything gets a bit more difficult,"&nbsp;Federer&nbsp;added. "But at the same time, with experience also you can savour the moments more.

"I don't know how it's going to end. I hope it's just going to be somewhat emotional I guess and nice ... I just hope it's going to be good, the whole process, and not too difficult."

Roger Federer first thought about how long his playing career would last in 2009 but a decade later the 38-year-old is still going strong and says he will keeping playing until his body decides otherwise.

Roger Federer first thought about how long his playing career would last in 2009 but a decade later the 38-year-old is still going strong and says he will keeping playing until his body decides otherwise. Federer won his last Grand Slam in January 2018 when he claimed his sixth Australian Open but the Swiss has won seven ATP titles since then, taking his career tally to 103. Federer, who ended the year behind Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the world rankings, said he cannot predict when he will stop playing. "My retirement will depend on my health. At the moment I do not see any reason to retire," the 20-times Grand Slam champion told reporters ahead of his exhibition matches in South America. "I did not think I would play beyond 35, 36 years and here I am. I am doing well physically. I cannot predict when it will be the time to stop. "I think in 2009 I questioned it for the first time. (It has been) 10 years and here I am. I'm exactly where I wanted to be at this age." Federer is six titles shy of American Jimmy Connors' record of 109 in the Open era. "With age everything gets a bit more difficult," Federer added. "But at the same time, with experience also you can savour the moments more. "I don't know how it's going to end. I hope it's just going to be somewhat emotional I guess and nice ... I just hope it's going to be good, the whole process, and not too difficult."

I'll stop when my body tells me to: Roger Federer

Andy Murray is a welcome addition to Britain's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-raonic-withdraws-from-canadas-davis-cup-team-261552">Davis Cup</a> team but there is no guarantee the former world number one will play in the singles, team captain Leon Smith has said.

Murray, who underwent hip surgery in January, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/andy-murray-beats-stan-wawrinka-to-win-first-title-since-hip-surgery-257186">won the European Open</a> in Antwerp last month but the three-times Grand Slam champion is the lowest-ranked singles player in the British team at 126 behind Dan Evans (42) and Kyle Edmund (69).

"Any time you can bring Andy into the team is going to make your team better," Smith told reporters. "He's still working his way back to the level he wants to get to, so people have to keep the expectations of the right level of where he's at just now.

"What he did in Antwerp was much talked about and a brilliant step forwards but you do have to remember this is early days in him coming back.

"We've got really good options. With Andy, with Evo (Evans), with Kyle, guys playing a very similar level – and with Jamie (Murray) and Neal (Skupski) we've got strong doubles options."

The revamped Davis Cup format has group stage ties with two singles matches and one doubles match, with Britain drawn alongside Kazakhstan and the Netherlands.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/murray-excited-to-see-what-next-couple-of-years-can-bring-261800">Murray</a>, 32, eased his way back into professional tennis by playing doubles, partnering with older brother Jamie in Washington earlier this year.

Jamie said they would have to "wait and see" if they would pair up again in Madrid.

"It depends on how Andy's feeling physically, what's the best setup for the team on that day," he added.

"But Neal and I have practised all week and we're ready to play if called upon and I hope we'll do a good job for the team."

Andy Murray is a welcome addition to Britain's Davis Cup team but there is no guarantee the former world number one will play in the singles, team captain Leon Smith has said.

Andy Murray is a welcome addition to Britain's Davis Cup team but there is no guarantee the former world number one will play in the singles, team captain Leon Smith has said. Murray, who underwent hip surgery in January, won the European Open in Antwerp last month but the three-times Grand Slam champion is the lowest-ranked singles player in the British team at 126 behind Dan Evans (42) and Kyle Edmund (69). "Any time you can bring Andy into the team is going to make your team better," Smith told reporters. "He's still working his way back to the level he wants to get to, so people have to keep the expectations of the right level of where he's at just now. "What he did in Antwerp was much talked about and a brilliant step forwards but you do have to remember this is early days in him coming back. "We've got really good options. With Andy, with Evo (Evans), with Kyle, guys playing a very similar level – and with Jamie (Murray) and Neal (Skupski) we've got strong doubles options." The revamped Davis Cup format has group stage ties with two singles matches and one doubles match, with Britain drawn alongside Kazakhstan and the Netherlands. Murray, 32, eased his way back into professional tennis by playing doubles, partnering with older brother Jamie in Washington earlier this year. Jamie said they would have to "wait and see" if they would pair up again in Madrid. "It depends on how Andy's feeling physically, what's the best setup for the team on that day," he added. "But Neal and I have practised all week and we're ready to play if called upon and I hope we'll do a good job for the team."

No guarantees for Andy Murray at Davis Cup: Leon Smith

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

Six-times Grand Slam champion Boris Becker will captain Germany at next year's inaugural ATP Cup, while fellow former world number ones Marat Safin and Thomas Muster will lead Russia and Austria at the nation-based tournament.

Becker, who won his first major title at Wimbledon in 1985, was chosen by world No. 7 Alexander Zverev to captain Germany, who are drawn in Group F alongside Greece, Canada and hosts Australia and play their matches in Brisbane.

The 24-nation ATP Cup will take place from Jan. 3-12 in Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney.

"We have a strong chance in an extremely competitive section of the draw," Becker said in an ATP Cup media release.

"Playing against the very best and representing your country sets the tone, sets the sport. I think we're going to see amazing tennis."

Safin, who won the U.S. Open in 2000 and the centenary Australian Open five years later, will lead a Russian team that includes world No. 4 Daniil Medvedev and No. 17 Karen Khachanov.

"We have a real chance of winning the first Cup with the caliber of players we have on the Russian side and I'll be doing everything I can to make that happen from the bench," he said.

Russia faces Italy, the United States, and Norway in Group D and will play their group games in Perth.

Muster, who claimed the world's top ranking in 1996 after winning the French Open the previous year, was chosen as captain by world No. 5 Dominic Thiem and welcomed the opportunity to lock horns with his former adversaries.

"The ATP Cup brings some old rivals together as captains," he said. "The cream of tennis is competing across Australia and the playing field is incredibly strong, I feel very excited to be part of it all."

The winners of the six groups and the two best second-placed finishers reach the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney. Each tie comprises two singles and one double match.

Six-times Grand Slam champion Boris Becker will captain Germany at next year's inaugural ATP Cup, while fellow former world number ones Marat Safin and Thomas Muster will lead Russia and Austria at the nation-based tournament.

Six-times Grand Slam champion Boris Becker will captain Germany at next year's inaugural ATP Cup, while fellow former world number ones Marat Safin and Thomas Muster will lead Russia and Austria at the nation-based tournament. Becker, who won his first major title at Wimbledon in 1985, was chosen by world No. 7 Alexander Zverev to captain Germany, who are drawn in Group F alongside Greece, Canada and hosts Australia and play their matches in Brisbane. The 24-nation ATP Cup will take place from Jan. 3-12 in Brisbane, Perth, and Sydney. "We have a strong chance in an extremely competitive section of the draw," Becker said in an ATP Cup media release. "Playing against the very best and representing your country sets the tone, sets the sport. I think we're going to see amazing tennis." Safin, who won the U.S. Open in 2000 and the centenary Australian Open five years later, will lead a Russian team that includes world No. 4 Daniil Medvedev and No. 17 Karen Khachanov. "We have a real chance of winning the first Cup with the caliber of players we have on the Russian side and I'll be doing everything I can to make that happen from the bench," he said. Russia faces Italy, the United States, and Norway in Group D and will play their group games in Perth. Muster, who claimed the world's top ranking in 1996 after winning the French Open the previous year, was chosen as captain by world No. 5 Dominic Thiem and welcomed the opportunity to lock horns with his former adversaries. "The ATP Cup brings some old rivals together as captains," he said. "The cream of tennis is competing across Australia and the playing field is incredibly strong, I feel very excited to be part of it all." The winners of the six groups and the two best second-placed finishers reach the ATP Cup Finals in Sydney. Each tie comprises two singles and one double match.

Tennis: Becker, Safin and Muster named ATP Cup team captains

Rafael Nadal produced an incredible fightback to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev and keep his&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;hopes alive on Wednesday, saving a match point at 1-5 down in the decider before winning 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(4).

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888">world number one</a> will require a victory over in-form Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday to have a chance of reaching the semi-finals. Tsitsipas, 21, is definitely there though after thrashing Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-2 in the evening match.

Nadal looked beaten as 23-year-old debutant Medvedev broke serve twice in the decider to stand on the brink of a first career victory over the Spaniard he pushed to five sets in an epic US&nbsp;Open final in September.

For once world number one Nadal's trademark fighting spirit seemed to have ebbed away but he saved a match point at 1-5 with a superb drop shot and was suddenly re-energised.

Twice Medvedev served for the match, at 5-2 and 5-4, but he tightened up and world number one Nadal, roared on by the 02 Arena crowd, needed no second invitation to take advantage.

Nadal has never won the&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;title, the only gap on a CV that includes 19 Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold.

He was beaten by German defending champion Zverev for the first time on Monday in his opening round-robin match and defeat by Medvedev, who he had also never lost to before, would have left him on the brink of elimination.

After an astonishing recovery, however, he will go into his final group game against Tsitsipas with everything to play for as he bids to not only win the title for the first time but also seal the year-end world number one ranking.

Nadal arrived in London with concerns over an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-rafael-nadal-to-travel-to-atp-finals-despite-injury-260225">abdominal injury</a>, but even when not at his sharpest he remains one of the hardest players on Tour to finish off.

"Honestly I've been super lucky," he said on court. "For Daniil it's a tough loss. He was playing much better than me in the third set of course but it was one of these days when you have a one in a thousand chance to win."

The deceptively powerful Medvedev dropped only six points on serve in the opening set and comfortably bagged the tiebreak.

His focus dipped at the start of the second though, allowing Nadal a quick break and when the Spaniard broke again to take the set it seemed the momentum was with him.

Medvedev played superbly in the deciding set though,&nbsp;until 5-1. A dreadful Nadal backhand slice gave the Russian a first break and when he chased down a drop shot to flick a winner past Nadal on his way to a 4-0 lead he was in command.

But from 1-5 down Nadal reeled off five straight games and when Medvedev trailed 0-30 at 5-6 he seemed to be a spent force.

Medvedev regained his composure in the nick of time to hold serve with an ace and looked dangerous again in the tiebreak.

But he missed an easy forehand at 4-5 to give Nadal two match points and then a backhand went agonisingly wide to hand the Spaniard one of the most remarkable wins of his career.

"Rafa could say, okay, it's over at 5-1 and just give me the point, but we all know Rafa is not about this," Medvedev said.

The maths of the group means a straight-sets win for Medvedev over Zverev could see him progress to the semis.

Nadal's tournament fate is not in his own hands though. He must beat Tsitsipas and hope that Medvedev beats Zverev.

Even if he does not reach the semis, Nadal tightened his grip on the number one ranking as Novak Djokovic now must win the title to have a chance of overtaking him.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-rafael-nadal-to-travel-to-atp-finals-despite-injury-260225">Djokovic faces Roger Federer</a> on Thursday in a must-win match for both players.

Rafael Nadal produced an incredible fightback to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev and keep his ATP Finals hopes alive on Wednesday, saving a match point at 1-5 down in the decider before winning 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(4).

Rafael Nadal produced an incredible fightback to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev and keep his ATP Finals hopes alive on Wednesday, saving a match point at 1-5 down in the decider before winning 6-7(3) 6-3 7-6(4). The world number one will require a victory over in-form Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday to have a chance of reaching the semi-finals. Tsitsipas, 21, is definitely there though after thrashing Alexander Zverev 6-3 6-2 in the evening match. Nadal looked beaten as 23-year-old debutant Medvedev broke serve twice in the decider to stand on the brink of a first career victory over the Spaniard he pushed to five sets in an epic US Open final in September. For once world number one Nadal's trademark fighting spirit seemed to have ebbed away but he saved a match point at 1-5 with a superb drop shot and was suddenly re-energised. Twice Medvedev served for the match, at 5-2 and 5-4, but he tightened up and world number one Nadal, roared on by the 02 Arena crowd, needed no second invitation to take advantage. Nadal has never won the ATP Finals title, the only gap on a CV that includes 19 Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold. He was beaten by German defending champion Zverev for the first time on Monday in his opening round-robin match and defeat by Medvedev, who he had also never lost to before, would have left him on the brink of elimination. After an astonishing recovery, however, he will go into his final group game against Tsitsipas with everything to play for as he bids to not only win the title for the first time but also seal the year-end world number one ranking. Nadal arrived in London with concerns over an abdominal injury, but even when not at his sharpest he remains one of the hardest players on Tour to finish off. "Honestly I've been super lucky," he said on court. "For Daniil it's a tough loss. He was playing much better than me in the third set of course but it was one of these days when you have a one in a thousand chance to win." The deceptively powerful Medvedev dropped only six points on serve in the opening set and comfortably bagged the tiebreak. His focus dipped at the start of the second though, allowing Nadal a quick break and when the Spaniard broke again to take the set it seemed the momentum was with him. Medvedev played superbly in the deciding set though, until 5-1. A dreadful Nadal backhand slice gave the Russian a first break and when he chased down a drop shot to flick a winner past Nadal on his way to a 4-0 lead he was in command. But from 1-5 down Nadal reeled off five straight games and when Medvedev trailed 0-30 at 5-6 he seemed to be a spent force. Medvedev regained his composure in the nick of time to hold serve with an ace and looked dangerous again in the tiebreak. But he missed an easy forehand at 4-5 to give Nadal two match points and then a backhand went agonisingly wide to hand the Spaniard one of the most remarkable wins of his career. "Rafa could say, okay, it's over at 5-1 and just give me the point, but we all know Rafa is not about this," Medvedev said. The maths of the group means a straight-sets win for Medvedev over Zverev could see him progress to the semis. Nadal's tournament fate is not in his own hands though. He must beat Tsitsipas and hope that Medvedev beats Zverev. Even if he does not reach the semis, Nadal tightened his grip on the number one ranking as Novak Djokovic now must win the title to have a chance of overtaking him. Djokovic faces Roger Federer on Thursday in a must-win match for both players.

ATP Finals: Rafael Nadal roars back from brink to beat Medvedev

Bob and Mike&nbsp;Bryan, the greatest doubles pair in the history of tennis, have announced they will end what they describe as a "magical ride" in&nbsp;2020&nbsp;after&nbsp;one more crack at the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Open.

The 41-year-old Californian twins, famous for their trademark chest-bump celebration, will bid farewell at Flushing Meadows, scene of their Grand Slam debut in 1995.

Playing almost exclusively with each other throughout&nbsp;their 25-year careers, the&nbsp;Bryans captured a professional era record 118 titles, including 16 Grand Slam titles, 39 ATP Masters 1000s and the ATP Finals title four times.

The&nbsp;Bryans also won Olympic gold at London 2012 and were part of the&nbsp;US Davis Cup-winning team in 2007.

Mike claimed two more Grand Slam titles with Jack Sock in 2018&nbsp;after&nbsp;Bob was sidelined with a hip injury.

"Mike and I chose to finish our 2019 season&nbsp;after&nbsp;the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Open, even knowing there was a strong chance we'd qualify for the ATP Finals," Bob said in an ATP statement on Wednesday.

"After&nbsp;much discussion, we decided that it would be best to rest our minds and strengthen our bodies in preparation for&nbsp;2020&nbsp;which will be our final season on the ATP Tour.

"For the last 21 years, we have been so grateful for the opportunity to live&nbsp;out&nbsp;our dreams of playing professional tennis. It has truly been a magical ride."

Bob and Mike Bryan, the greatest doubles pair in the history of tennis, have announced they will end what they describe as a "magical ride" in 2020 after one more crack at the US Open.

Bob and Mike Bryan, the greatest doubles pair in the history of tennis, have announced they will end what they describe as a "magical ride" in 2020 after one more crack at the US Open. The 41-year-old Californian twins, famous for their trademark chest-bump celebration, will bid farewell at Flushing Meadows, scene of their Grand Slam debut in 1995. Playing almost exclusively with each other throughout their 25-year careers, the Bryans captured a professional era record 118 titles, including 16 Grand Slam titles, 39 ATP Masters 1000s and the ATP Finals title four times. The Bryans also won Olympic gold at London 2012 and were part of the US Davis Cup-winning team in 2007. Mike claimed two more Grand Slam titles with Jack Sock in 2018 after Bob was sidelined with a hip injury. "Mike and I chose to finish our 2019 season after the US Open, even knowing there was a strong chance we'd qualify for the ATP Finals," Bob said in an ATP statement on Wednesday. "After much discussion, we decided that it would be best to rest our minds and strengthen our bodies in preparation for 2020 which will be our final season on the ATP Tour. "For the last 21 years, we have been so grateful for the opportunity to live out our dreams of playing professional tennis. It has truly been a magical ride."

Bryan brothers to bow out after 2020 US Open

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

&nbsp;Former world number one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../andy-murray-beats-stan-wawrinka-to-win-first- title-since-hip-surgery-257186">Andy&nbsp;Murray</a>&nbsp;is&nbsp;excited&nbsp;to&nbsp;see&nbsp;what&nbsp;he&nbsp;can&nbsp;achieve over the&nbsp;next&nbsp;couple&nbsp;of&nbsp;years&nbsp;after returning to the tour following hip resurfacing surgery but he will not be setting any lofty targets.

The 32-year-old Briton looked on the verge of ending his career at the start of the year but after undergoing surgery in January, he has returned in impressive fashion.

After initially playing doubles at Queen's Club, where he won the title alongside Feliciano Lopez, and Wimbledon,&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;has exceeded expectations on the singles court and won the title in Antwerp last month, beating Stan Wawrinka in the final.

Murray, ranked 125th, will end his season at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../tennis-raonic-withdraws-from-canadas-davis- cup-team-261552">Davis Cup</a> Finals&nbsp;next&nbsp;week before turning his thoughts to&nbsp;next&nbsp;year's Australian Open having thought this year's appearance in Melbourne was probably his last.

"I'm very lucky I get that chance again in January if I stay fit in the&nbsp;next&nbsp;couple&nbsp;of months and it'll be fun to&nbsp;see&nbsp;what&nbsp;I&nbsp;can&nbsp;do,"&nbsp;Murray&nbsp;told British media on Tuesday.

"It has been an up and down few&nbsp;years&nbsp;but I feel like I'm coming through the other side of it and&nbsp;excited&nbsp;to&nbsp;see&nbsp;what&nbsp;I&nbsp;can&nbsp;do over the&nbsp;next&nbsp;couple&nbsp;of&nbsp;years.

"It's difficult to say exactly where I am. I'm not where I was when I was 25 but I don't expect to be and don't need to be (in order) to be competitive at the highest level. That's why I'm&nbsp;excited."

Murray's European Open title in Antwerp, his first since March 2017, has given him the belief that he could beat the likes of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-finals-federer-eyes-djokovic-after- rebounding-against-berrettini-261773">Rafael Nadal</a> and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../atp-finals-federer-eyes-djokovic-after- rebounding-against-berrettini-261773">Novak Djokovic</a> -- a notion that would have appeared impossible a few months ago.

"I know if I played against the top players tomorrow there would be a very small chance of me winning that match," he said. "But I do feel I could win.

"That's one of the performance goals I want -- when I go out on court against all of the players I want to feel like I have a chance of winning."

Murray, whose wife Kim gave birth to their third child a few weeks ago, says the main priority is to continue playing pain free and enjoying the battle.

"I'm not going to set a target of top 10 or trying to make the semis of a Grand Slam because I've done all of that before and I don't need that," he said.

"So if I'm 30 in the world or 70 in the world but I'm still enjoying it and still enjoying the preparations and training and I feel competitive then that would be success for me."

Former world number one Andy Murray is excited to see what he can achieve over the next couple of years after returning to the tour following hip resurfacing surgery but he will not be setting any lofty targets.

Former world number one Andy Murray is excited to see what he can achieve over the next couple of years after returning to the tour following hip resurfacing surgery but he will not be setting any lofty targets. The 32-year-old Briton looked on the verge of ending his career at the start of the year but after undergoing surgery in January, he has returned in impressive fashion. After initially playing doubles at Queen's Club, where he won the title alongside Feliciano Lopez, and Wimbledon, Murray has exceeded expectations on the singles court and won the title in Antwerp last month, beating Stan Wawrinka in the final. Murray, ranked 125th, will end his season at the Davis Cup Finals next week before turning his thoughts to next year's Australian Open having thought this year's appearance in Melbourne was probably his last. "I'm very lucky I get that chance again in January if I stay fit in the next couple of months and it'll be fun to see what I can do," Murray told British media on Tuesday. "It has been an up and down few years but I feel like I'm coming through the other side of it and excited to see what I can do over the next couple of years. "It's difficult to say exactly where I am. I'm not where I was when I was 25 but I don't expect to be and don't need to be (in order) to be competitive at the highest level. That's why I'm excited." Murray's European Open title in Antwerp, his first since March 2017, has given him the belief that he could beat the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic -- a notion that would have appeared impossible a few months ago. "I know if I played against the top players tomorrow there would be a very small chance of me winning that match," he said. "But I do feel I could win. "That's one of the performance goals I want -- when I go out on court against all of the players I want to feel like I have a chance of winning." Murray, whose wife Kim gave birth to their third child a few weeks ago, says the main priority is to continue playing pain free and enjoying the battle. "I'm not going to set a target of top 10 or trying to make the semis of a Grand Slam because I've done all of that before and I don't need that," he said. "So if I'm 30 in the world or 70 in the world but I'm still enjoying it and still enjoying the preparations and training and I feel competitive then that would be success for me."

Andy Murray excited to see what next couple of years can bring

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

Canada's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-pakistan-davis-cup-tie-shifted-to-neutral-venue-259986">Davis Cup</a> Finals hopes suffered a blow when <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-cilic-raonic-make-winning-starts-at-paris-masters-federer-withdraws-258577">Milos Raonic</a> withdrew from the team on Monday with a back injury.

The 28-year-old former world number three will be replaced by 94th-ranked Brayden Schnur for the week-long event in Madrid.

"It is very hard and disappointing for me that I will not be able to represent my country at Davis Cup," he said in a statement issued by Tennis Canada.

"My health has continued to let me down through this entire year and now once again. I will take the appropriate time to get healthy and I look forward to being back on the court next season."

Even without Raonic, Canada have a strong squad with world number 15 Denis Shapovalov and fellow youngster Felix Auger-Aliassime, ranked 21st, both making the trip.

Canada are one of 18 nations contesting the first edition of the Davis Cup since its radical revamp.

They will be in Group F with the US&nbsp;and Italy.

"I believe in my teammates, and I know they'll give everything to secure Canada's first Davis Cup title.

"I'll be following them very closely and I wish them the best," former Wimbledon runner-up Raonic said.

Ties will consist of two singles and a doubles with the top team from each group and two best runners-up progressing to the quarter-finals. Round-robin matches begin on Monday with the final on Sunday, November&nbsp;24.

Canada's Davis Cup Finals hopes suffered a blow when Milos Raonic withdrew from the team on Monday with a back injury. The 28-year-old former world number three will be replaced by 94th-ranked Brayden Schnur for the week-long event in Madrid.

Canada's Davis Cup Finals hopes suffered a blow when Milos Raonic withdrew from the team on Monday with a back injury. The 28-year-old former world number three will be replaced by 94th-ranked Brayden Schnur for the week-long event in Madrid. "It is very hard and disappointing for me that I will not be able to represent my country at Davis Cup," he said in a statement issued by Tennis Canada. "My health has continued to let me down through this entire year and now once again. I will take the appropriate time to get healthy and I look forward to being back on the court next season." Even without Raonic, Canada have a strong squad with world number 15 Denis Shapovalov and fellow youngster Felix Auger-Aliassime, ranked 21st, both making the trip. Canada are one of 18 nations contesting the first edition of the Davis Cup since its radical revamp. They will be in Group F with the US and Italy. "I believe in my teammates, and I know they'll give everything to secure Canada's first Davis Cup title. "I'll be following them very closely and I wish them the best," former Wimbledon runner-up Raonic said. Ties will consist of two singles and a doubles with the top team from each group and two best runners-up progressing to the quarter-finals. Round-robin matches begin on Monday with the final on Sunday, November 24.

Tennis: Raonic withdraws from Canada's Davis Cup team

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

Novak Djokovic ruthlessly took Matteo Berrettini apart at the ATP Finals on Sunday as he began his quest to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-djokovic-has-world-number-one-nadal-in-his-sights-at-london-finale-260669">reclaim the number one</a> ranking by winning his opening group match 6-2 6-1.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Roger Federer</a> already faces an uphill task to win the title for the first time since 2011, however, after being outplayed by inspired Austrian Dominic Thiem, losing 7-5 7-5.

Thiem had never won his opening group match in his three previous appearances but took full advantage of a unusually sluggish Federer to make a flying start.

While six-time champion Federer will fancy his chances of steadying the ship against Berrettini on Tuesday, he will likely need to beat Djokovic on Thursday to reach the semi-finals.

Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer not survived the group stage, back in 2008.

Berrettini, the first Italian to play in the season-ending showpiece since 1978, was given a harsh lesson by 16-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic at the O2 Arena.

The 32-year-old Djokovic began the match 640 points behind Rafael Nadal in the race to end the year on top of the rankings, but victory chipped that advantage down to 440.

Djokovic must at least win two group matches and reach the final to have any chance of matching Pete Sampras's record of ending six separate years as world number one.

Spaniard Nadal, who has concerns over an abdominal injury sustained at the Paris Masters, plays his first group match on Monday against defending champion Alexander Zverev.

As an opening singles match in a tournament featuring the world's best eight players, it was a disappointing spectacle as the 23-year-old Berrettini succumbed all too easily.

The first four games were shared but once Djokovic got into his metronomic groove he looked untouchable and the errors began to flow off his opponent's racket.

Berrettini snatched at a forehand at 2-3 to gift Djokovic the break and in no time at all he was a set and 4-0 down.

Djokovic had a momentary lapse to drop serve but was in no mood to hang around as he racked up his 36th win at the event.

He did have some sympathy for his opponent though.

"I remember when I played for the first time in the ATP Tour Finals in 2007, I lost all three matches in the group," he said.

"I was tense. It's a lot of pressure mentally, that you have to deliver your best, where for us guys that have been playing on the top level for many years, we have the experience."

The evening match was much more entertaining as Thiem, runner-up at the French Open to Nadal in June for a second successive year, took his career record over Federer to 5-2.

He broke serve in the opening game and although Federer hit back impressively Thiem was the more aggressive player throughout, using his forehand to keep Federer on the back foot.

Federer buckled under pressure at 5-5 in the opener and Thiem confidently held in the next game.

It felt like Federer was just hanging on in the second but he offered up three break points at 5-5 with a volley error.

Serving for the match, Thiem missed one match point and had to save a break point as Federer dug in but he made no mistake at the second time of asking, pummelling away a forehand to seal a third win over Federer this year.

Novak Djokovic ruthlessly took Matteo Berrettini apart at the ATP Finals on Sunday as he began his quest to reclaim the number one ranking by winning his opening group match 6-2 6-1.

Novak Djokovic ruthlessly took Matteo Berrettini apart at the ATP Finals on Sunday as he began his quest to reclaim the number one ranking by winning his opening group match 6-2 6-1. Roger Federer already faces an uphill task to win the title for the first time since 2011, however, after being outplayed by inspired Austrian Dominic Thiem, losing 7-5 7-5. Thiem had never won his opening group match in his three previous appearances but took full advantage of a unusually sluggish Federer to make a flying start. While six-time champion Federer will fancy his chances of steadying the ship against Berrettini on Tuesday, he will likely need to beat Djokovic on Thursday to reach the semi-finals. Only once in 16 previous appearances has Federer not survived the group stage, back in 2008. Berrettini, the first Italian to play in the season-ending showpiece since 1978, was given a harsh lesson by 16-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic at the O2 Arena. The 32-year-old Djokovic began the match 640 points behind Rafael Nadal in the race to end the year on top of the rankings, but victory chipped that advantage down to 440. Djokovic must at least win two group matches and reach the final to have any chance of matching Pete Sampras's record of ending six separate years as world number one. Spaniard Nadal, who has concerns over an abdominal injury sustained at the Paris Masters, plays his first group match on Monday against defending champion Alexander Zverev. As an opening singles match in a tournament featuring the world's best eight players, it was a disappointing spectacle as the 23-year-old Berrettini succumbed all too easily. The first four games were shared but once Djokovic got into his metronomic groove he looked untouchable and the errors began to flow off his opponent's racket. Berrettini snatched at a forehand at 2-3 to gift Djokovic the break and in no time at all he was a set and 4-0 down. Djokovic had a momentary lapse to drop serve but was in no mood to hang around as he racked up his 36th win at the event. He did have some sympathy for his opponent though. "I remember when I played for the first time in the ATP Tour Finals in 2007, I lost all three matches in the group," he said. "I was tense. It's a lot of pressure mentally, that you have to deliver your best, where for us guys that have been playing on the top level for many years, we have the experience." The evening match was much more entertaining as Thiem, runner-up at the French Open to Nadal in June for a second successive year, took his career record over Federer to 5-2. He broke serve in the opening game and although Federer hit back impressively Thiem was the more aggressive player throughout, using his forehand to keep Federer on the back foot. Federer buckled under pressure at 5-5 in the opener and Thiem confidently held in the next game. It felt like Federer was just hanging on in the second but he offered up three break points at 5-5 with a volley error. Serving for the match, Thiem missed one match point and had to save a break point as Federer dug in but he made no mistake at the second time of asking, pummelling away a forehand to seal a third win over Federer this year.

ATP Finals: Djokovic thrashes Berrettini, Thiem stuns Federer

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London.

The Serb was knocked off<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888"> top spot by Rafael Nadal</a> on Monday despite winning the Paris Masters last week and will need a strong finish alongside the River Thames to snatch it back.

Only Pete Sampras has finished a year on top six times and Djokovic's hopes of emulating the American are not in his own hands with Nadal leading by 640 points heading to the climax.

Nadal, 33, is bidding to become the ATP's oldest year-end number but with 200 points awarded for round-robin wins, 400 for a semi-final win and 500 for winning the final the door is still ajar for Djokovic to deny him.

Spaniard Nadal has often struggled physically in London and pulled out of his Paris Masters semi-final against Denis Shapovalov last week citing an abdominal issue when victory would have put him virtually out of reach.

He intends to play in London having been drawn in a round-robin group alongside 2018 ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev and debutants Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas.

If Nadal fails to win a round-robin match, Djokovic would still need to win two group matches and reach the final to dislodge him. Djokovic will also finish the year as number one by winning the title, providing Nadal does not reach the semis.

Djokovic faces a tough group though, with six-time champion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-brushes-de-minaur-aside-to-claim-record-10th-basel-title-258408">Roger Federer</a>, French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem and Italian Matteo Berrettini, the third newcomer in this year's event, who he will play in Sunday's opening singles.

"It's an extremely difficult task considering who my opponents are going to be," Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Djokovic said.

"As a consequence, if I manage to get the year-end number one, that would be fantastic. It is a motivation and a goal every day."

Federer, ranked third, will be a particularly dangerous obstacle for Djokovic even if he has not added to his ATP Finals title haul since winning in 2011.

The Swiss, who has a record 57 match wins at the event, bowed out to Zverev in the semi-finals last year but continues to defy the passing years at the age of 38.

Last month he claimed the Swiss indoor title without dropping a set. It was his fourth title in 2019, during which he lost an epic Wimbledon final to Djokovic having held match points.

The penultimate ATP Finals in London, before it moves to Turin, has a fresh look this year.

Russian counter-puncher Medvedev has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough year and of the three debutants he looks the most likely to challenge for the title.

He leads the charts in terms of match wins (59) and finals reached (9) and against Nadal in a sensational US&nbsp;Open final proved he has the personality to go toe-to-toe with the giants.

For the fourth successive year there are eight different nations represented in the singles while half of the singles field are aged 23 or under. The new wave is arriving, but Djokovic still has unfinished business.

Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah will lead the doubles event having already clinched the year-end number one ranking and will be seeking a London double after winning this year's Wimbledon crown.

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London.

If Novak Djokovic is to claim the year-end number ranking for a record-equalling sixth time he will have to do it the hard way at the ATP Finals next week in London. The Serb was knocked off top spot by Rafael Nadal on Monday despite winning the Paris Masters last week and will need a strong finish alongside the River Thames to snatch it back. Only Pete Sampras has finished a year on top six times and Djokovic's hopes of emulating the American are not in his own hands with Nadal leading by 640 points heading to the climax. Nadal, 33, is bidding to become the ATP's oldest year-end number but with 200 points awarded for round-robin wins, 400 for a semi-final win and 500 for winning the final the door is still ajar for Djokovic to deny him. Spaniard Nadal has often struggled physically in London and pulled out of his Paris Masters semi-final against Denis Shapovalov last week citing an abdominal issue when victory would have put him virtually out of reach. He intends to play in London having been drawn in a round-robin group alongside 2018 ATP Finals champion Alexander Zverev and debutants Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas. If Nadal fails to win a round-robin match, Djokovic would still need to win two group matches and reach the final to dislodge him. Djokovic will also finish the year as number one by winning the title, providing Nadal does not reach the semis. Djokovic faces a tough group though, with six-time champion Roger Federer, French Open runner-up Dominic Thiem and Italian Matteo Berrettini, the third newcomer in this year's event, who he will play in Sunday's opening singles. "It's an extremely difficult task considering who my opponents are going to be," Australian Open and Wimbledon champion Djokovic said. "As a consequence, if I manage to get the year-end number one, that would be fantastic. It is a motivation and a goal every day." Federer, ranked third, will be a particularly dangerous obstacle for Djokovic even if he has not added to his ATP Finals title haul since winning in 2011. The Swiss, who has a record 57 match wins at the event, bowed out to Zverev in the semi-finals last year but continues to defy the passing years at the age of 38. Last month he claimed the Swiss indoor title without dropping a set. It was his fourth title in 2019, during which he lost an epic Wimbledon final to Djokovic having held match points. The penultimate ATP Finals in London, before it moves to Turin, has a fresh look this year. Russian counter-puncher Medvedev has enjoyed an incredible breakthrough year and of the three debutants he looks the most likely to challenge for the title. He leads the charts in terms of match wins (59) and finals reached (9) and against Nadal in a sensational US Open final proved he has the personality to go toe-to-toe with the giants. For the fourth successive year there are eight different nations represented in the singles while half of the singles field are aged 23 or under. The new wave is arriving, but Djokovic still has unfinished business. Colombian duo Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah will lead the doubles event having already clinched the year-end number one ranking and will be seeking a London double after winning this year's Wimbledon crown.

Tennis: Djokovic has world number one Nadal in his sights at London finale

Australia are throwing debutant Ajla Tomljanovic into the Fed Cup cauldron against France, dropping veteran Sam Stosur in favour of the Croatia-born debutant for the singles just weeks after she became eligible to represent the nation.

World number 51 Tomljanovic will play French number one Kristina Mladenovic in the first singles at Perth Arena on Saturday, with Ash Barty to take on Caroline Garcia in the second.

World number one Barty will meet 40th-ranked Mladenovic in the opener of the reverse singles on Sunday, with Tomljanovic to play world number 45 Garcia.

Barty and Stosur are slated to play Mladenovic and Garcia in the doubles, though all of Sunday's matches may be changed.

Stosur, 35, holds Australia's Fed Cup record for most singles wins, with 29 from her 49 rubbers, but she lost both her singles matches in the semi-finals against Belarus.

In selecting the 26-year-old Tomljanovic, Australia captain Alicia Molik may also have been mindful of Stosur's record of stage-fright when playing in front of home crowds.

Despite winning the 2011 US&nbsp;Open and making the French Open semi-finals four times, Stosur has long struggled to deal with the limelight in Australia.

She has never gone further than the fourth round at the Australian Open and has been knocked out of the first round at Melbourne Park for the last four tournaments in succession.

Australia are bidding for their eighth title and first since 1974, with France going for a third after last winning the team tournament in 2003.

Australia are throwing debutant Ajla Tomljanovic into the Fed Cup cauldron against France, dropping veteran Sam Stosur in favour of the Croatia-born debutant for the singles just weeks after she became eligible to represent the nation.

Australia are throwing debutant Ajla Tomljanovic into the Fed Cup cauldron against France, dropping veteran Sam Stosur in favour of the Croatia-born debutant for the singles just weeks after she became eligible to represent the nation. World number 51 Tomljanovic will play French number one Kristina Mladenovic in the first singles at Perth Arena on Saturday, with Ash Barty to take on Caroline Garcia in the second. World number one Barty will meet 40th-ranked Mladenovic in the opener of the reverse singles on Sunday, with Tomljanovic to play world number 45 Garcia. Barty and Stosur are slated to play Mladenovic and Garcia in the doubles, though all of Sunday's matches may be changed. Stosur, 35, holds Australia's Fed Cup record for most singles wins, with 29 from her 49 rubbers, but she lost both her singles matches in the semi-finals against Belarus. In selecting the 26-year-old Tomljanovic, Australia captain Alicia Molik may also have been mindful of Stosur's record of stage-fright when playing in front of home crowds. Despite winning the 2011 US Open and making the French Open semi-finals four times, Stosur has long struggled to deal with the limelight in Australia. She has never gone further than the fourth round at the Australian Open and has been knocked out of the first round at Melbourne Park for the last four tournaments in succession. Australia are bidding for their eighth title and first since 1974, with France going for a third after last winning the team tournament in 2003.

Tennis: Australia snub Stosur for Fed Cup singles, pick Tomljanovic

Rafael Nadal has said he will travel to the ATP finals in London after undergoing a scan on an abdominal injury that forced him to retire from last week's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/paris-masters-nadal-marches-on-in-paris-djokovic-also-reaches-quarters-259155">Paris Masters</a> at the semi-final stage.

"Yesterday I had a scan in Mallorca and despite having a small strain in my right abdominal, I will travel to London," the world number one said in a statement on his official Twitter account on Tuesday.

"On Thursday or Friday I will start training on my serve and my aim is to be able to play the ATP Finals in London. Thanks for your support."

Even though he withdrew from his semi-final tie with Denis Shapovalov, Nadal's run to the last four in Paris saw him reclaim the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-once-again-claims-no-1-spot-in-rankings-novak-djokovic-slips-259888">number one spot</a> from Novak Djokovic on Monday.

The ATP finals take place between November&nbsp;10-17. Nadal has never won the tournament, losing in the final to Roger Federer in 2010 and Djokovic in 2013, when it was known as the ATP World Tour finals.

Rafael Nadal has said he will travel to the ATP finals in London after undergoing a scan on an abdominal injury that forced him to retire from last week's Paris Masters at the semi-final stage.

Rafael Nadal has said he will travel to the ATP finals in London after undergoing a scan on an abdominal injury that forced him to retire from last week's Paris Masters at the semi-final stage. "Yesterday I had a scan in Mallorca and despite having a small strain in my right abdominal, I will travel to London," the world number one said in a statement on his official Twitter account on Tuesday. "On Thursday or Friday I will start training on my serve and my aim is to be able to play the ATP Finals in London. Thanks for your support." Even though he withdrew from his semi-final tie with Denis Shapovalov, Nadal's run to the last four in Paris saw him reclaim the number one spot from Novak Djokovic on Monday. The ATP finals take place between November 10-17. Nadal has never won the tournament, losing in the final to Roger Federer in 2010 and Djokovic in 2013, when it was known as the ATP World Tour finals.

Tennis: Rafael Nadal to travel to ATP finals despite injury

tennis

Tennis, News on Tennis, stories on Tennis, articles on Tennis, Tennis stories at Wion, Tennis news, Tennis latest news