By Christian Finkbeiner
Tennis. – In the first Masters semi-final yesterday, Novak Djokovic successfully played his fourth game this week in the O2 Arena, meaning he is playing for the crown at the season finale for the second time. In 2008, the Serb, who qualified for the top eight for the sixth time in a row, won the tournament thanks to a win in the final against Russian Nikolai Davydenko. If Djokovic wins tonight, he would be the first number 1 since Federer in 2007 to win the Masters
Faulty Del Potro
In the semi-final duel with Del Potro, however, Djokovic had his back to the wall after just over an hour of play. After winning the first round, the Argentine also managed a break at the start of the second set. The 24-year-old from Tandil played brilliant tennis at times. He caused problems for his opponent, especially with his forehand. “I often played his forehand in the first set – and crashed it,” said Djokovic. But the Serb proved that it is not for nothing that he will end the year as number 1 for the second time in a row. He kept his patience, made the rebreak with his sixth break point and benefited from the fact that the Argentine’s error rate increased. The Serb believed in the turnaround – and achieved it. After that, he regularly broke through Del Potro’s service, who, as a setback, could no longer find a way to put Djokovic in trouble. “If you don’t manage to play at your best throughout the game, it’s difficult to beat him,” said Del Potro.
In today’s final (9 p.m.), Djokovic will face the winner of the game between Roger Federer and Andy Murray, which was still ongoing at the time this issue went to press.
