Federer chases ton but Djokovic on form

GERMANY’S Alexander Zverev clinched the last spot in the ATP Finals semi-finals by beating John Isner and ensured world number one Novak Djokovic finished as group winner.

Zverev nicked a first-set tiebreak before breaking at the end of the second to win 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in London. Third seed Zverev will play Roger Federer in the semi-finals today.

Djokovic, who beat Marin Cilic 7-6 (9-7) 6-2 later yesterday, will play South Africa’s Kevin Anderson.

The 14-time Grand Slam champion is the heavy favourite to win the tournament after easing through the round-robin stage with three victories.

Marching on: Novak Djokovic

Federer insists the prospect of claiming his 100th title in London is still not entering his head.

The Swiss great needs one more title to make it a century of career singles tournament but with Zverev finishing the year strongly and Djokovic in irresistible form, he knows it will be a tough ask at the O2 Arena.

“Personally I’m still not thinking of the number 100,” said the 37-year-old, six times a winner at the ATP Finals.

“I won’t let that get in my head, make me go crazy, because it should be something I’m excited about and not something I should feel extra pressure.

“As long as I think Novak is in the draw anyhow, he’s playing so good again, it’s never going to be easy.”

In the doubles, Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut won their group by beating Mike Bryan and Jack Sock 6-2 6-2 in 53 minutes. Bryan and Sock finished second and will face Britain’s Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares in the semi-finals.