Federer fends off rising star

Six-time winner advances with group victory over Zverev

Roger Federer struck a blow for his generation against the future by beating Alexander Zverev to book his place in the ATP Finals knock-out stages.

The 20-year-old Zverev showed London’s O2 Arena why he will surely become a star but Federer’s own time is far from finished yet and his class eventually told.

The pair are separated by 16 years and 19 grand slam titles but remarkably it was Federer’s legs that were fresher in the decider, and after two hours and 11 minutes he had triumphed 7-6 (8-6) 5-7 6-1.

It means the 36-year-old is certain to move into this tournament’s semi-finals, even before his final group match against Marin Cilic, while Zverev faces American Jack Sock for the second qualifying spot.

Zverev might rue missed chances, having squandered a set point and 4-0 tie-break lead in the first set, but it was concentration and stamina that ultimately proved the difference.

“I’m very excited about his future,” Federer said on court afterwards. “He’s a wonderful guy and is going to be a great player.”

The Swiss remains on course for a record-stretching seventh ATP Finals crown and with Rafael Nadal pulling out injured, now stands as the overwhelming favourite.

Sock kept alive his hopes by beating Wimbledon runner-up Cilic in a final-set tie-break.

Cilic had thrown away a break in the decider to lose against Alexander Zverev on Sunday and he managed the same again as Sock fought back to win 5-7 6-2 7-6 (7-4).

Sock said on court afterwards he was woken up at 4am yesterday by a fire alarm at his hotel but he showed little sign of fatigue and now has his debut win in this end-of-season tournament.

“That was a tough one for sure,” Sock said. “It’s been an interesting morning, a fire alarm went off at 4am and we all had to exit our hotel so it was a long morning.

“My coach growing up nicknamed me ‘showtime’ when I was young because I loved playing in front of people.

“There’s always a lot going on in my game.

“Even I don’t know what I’m going to do sometimes but it keeps it fun and I’m looking forward to the next one.”

Picture: Getty Images. Roger Federer: booked his place in the last four with a second group win over Alexander Zverev last night.