TENNIS

Defending champion Roger Federer was beaten by Borna Coric in yesterday’s semifinals of the Shanghai Masters, where Novak Djokovic’s earlier victory secured him a return to the world No. 2 ranking.

Croatian Coric broke Federer in the opening game of the match, and continued his momentum to open up a 3-1 lead.

The world No. 19 closed out the first set 6-4 and immediately went on the front foot again with another early break.

Coric, 21, completed a memorable 6-4 6-4 victory in just under one hour and 14 minutes to reach his first ATP world tour final.

Earlier, Djokovic had impressed with his 6-2 6-1 win over Germany’s Alexander Zverev, the world No. 5.

Djokovic’s run to the final will see him move above Federer, when the updated ATP rankings are released tomorrow.

The Serbian could yet close further up behind world No. 1 Rafael Nadal should he beat Coric to lift the Shanghai Masters trophy.