Federer shows class in victory against Zverev in ‘generation game’

Roger Federer marched into the semi-finals at the ATP Finals once again on Tuesday after prevailing 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-1 in a high-quality battle of the generations with Alexander Zverev.

The 36-year-old six-time champion may have been giving away 16 years to the youngster fancied to be the game’s next major force but Federer proved in a dominant third set that, for the moment, he still remains a cut above.

The triumph ensured the 19-time Grand Slam champion booked a place in the last four for the 14th time in 15 appearances and with the tournament still only three days old.

It also meant that Zverev and Jack Sock will now meet on Thursday to decide the other qualifier from the Boris Becker group. Sock earlier lived up to his childhood nickname of “Showtime” by producing a dramatic comeback triumph 5-7, 6-2 7-6(4) over Marin Cilic.

Federer looks even more of an overwhelming favourite for a seventh crown in the absence of Rafael Nadal, who has pulled out injured. “It sounds great,” Federer told the O2 Arena crowd after being told of his record of 14 semifinal appearances.

LONDON:

ANDY GETTING BACK TO BEST : DELGADO

Former world number one Andy Murray has had no adverse reaction to his recent charity game against Roger Federer and assistant coach Jamie Delgado is confident he will be able to get back to his best after a hip injury brought an early end to his season.

Murray, who has been out of action since losing to Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon semi-finals, is targeting a return to competitive action early next year with a view to competing at the Australian Open. “His body recovered well after that ... we are confident and hopeful that he will be back to his best,” Delgado told Sky Sports.

“We are in the process now of getting ready for a few weeks ... to get a pre-season block together... get some good players to practise with and pick up that level.”