Payback for Federer as he slays old foe Djokovic

REVENGE was sweet for Roger Federer (right) as he won his shoot-out with Novak Djokovic to reach the last four at the ATP Finals.

The 38-year-old avenged his agonising Wimbledon final defeat by Djokovic i n July, winning 6-4 6-3 to deny the Serbian the world No 1 spot in the process.

The illustrious pair, with 11 titles between them, were both expected to progress from the group stage but Dominic Thiem’s impressive form meant only one of them could join him.

It was Federer who maintained his proud record of having never failed to reach the semi-finals here at London’s 02, and he can now bid for a record seventh title over the weekend.

Four years since his last win over Djokovic, and four months since he blew those t wo championship points at Wimbledon, an elated Federer said: “It was a great atmosphere, a great opponent, here at the 02, incredibly special.

“I played incredibly well and I knew I had to because that’s what Novak can do.

“What did I do differently from Wimbledon? I won the match point I guess.

“You move on, try harder next time round and hope the luck goes for you.”

It was a strange performance from Djokovic, who made three double-faults in his first two service matches, dropping the second to love.

By contrast, it was a stunning first set from Federer, even by his own impeccable standards, as he fired down eight aces, hit 12 winners and made just one unforced error.

The Swiss master, a favourite with the crowd if not the bookmakers, broke again at the start and the end of the second set to wrap up a memorable win.

He could then put his feet up today ahead of a semi-final showdown with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev or Rafael Nadal.

“You always play better as a tournament goes along,” added Federer.

“I had a clear game plan and it worked to perfection.

“It was a great performance from me.”

Djokovic, who failed to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2011, said: “There was not much that I did right this match, to be honest.

“He served great, moved well, returned my serve very well. From his end, I think he did everything right.”

In the afternoon’s dead rubber, Thiem was beaten in straight sets by Matteo Berrettini, who ended his stay in the capital on a high by becoming the first Italian to win a match at the Finals.

Earlier, Joe Salisbury’s bid to reach the semi-finals in the doubles came to an end.

The 27-year-old, Britain’s sole representative at the finals, and his American partner Rajeev Ram lost a tie-breaker to Lukasz Kubot and Marcelo Melo.