Zverev, Medvedev to battle for Nitto ATP title
Alexander Zverev defeated world No. 1 Novak Djokovic on another huge stage Saturday, topping him 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3 in the semifinals of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Italy.
The No. 3-ranked German, who defeated Djokovic in the Tokyo Olympics to deny him the chance at the Golden Slam, will meet No. 2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the finals on Sunday.
Medvedev is the defending champion.
Zverev fought off set point in the first set, dropped the second set then broke Djokovic’s serve in the fourth game of the third set to cruise to the win. Zverev avenged his loss to Djokovic in the semifinals of the U.S. Open in September and gained his fourth win in their 11 head-to-head matches.
Djokovic was seeking his sixth ATP Finals win, which would have tied Roger Federer for the most alltime.
TENNIS PLAYERS TAKE ON COMMUNIST PARTY >> Some of the world’s most famous tennis players, distraught by the disappearance of colleague Peng Shuai, are challenging China’s Communist Party to get answers.
So far it’s a standoff with little visible impact as tennis greats like Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal — joined by tennis governing bodies, human rights groups, retired players, and several athletes’ lobbies — try to turn their profiles into power.
Peng, a two-time Grand Slam champion and former No. 1 in doubles, disappeared after making allegations of sexual assault over two weeks ago against former vice premier Zhang Gaoli, who was a member of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee and a lieutenant of General Secretary Xi Jinping.
China is just 2 1/2 months from hosting the Beijing Winter Olympics, which is facing a diplomatic boycott over allegations of crimes against humanity involving at least 1 million Uyghur Muslims and other ethnic minorities. NBA player Enes Kanter has been the most outspoken in defense of the Uyghurs, calling Xi a “brutal dictator.
Golf
GOOCH ATOP RSM CLASSIC >> Talor Gooch fired a 3-under 67 and holds a three-shot lead after three rounds of the RSM Classic at Sea Island, Ga.
Gooch has a 54-hole score of 16-under 196 in windy conditions at Sea Island Golf Club. It marks the first time he has ever led a PGA event after three rounds.
Seamus Power of Ireland and Sebastian Munoz of Colombia are tied for second at 13 under.
MCILROY TAKES NARROW LEAD INTO FINAL DAY >> Rory McIlroy will take a one-shot lead into the final day of the DP World Tour Championship after carding a five-under-par 67 in the third round.
Shane Lowry and John Catlin, were tied for fifth place in a group of five players on 11-under, which included Race to Dubai leader and Cal alumnus Collin Morikawa.
FOUR PLAYERS TIED FOR FIRST AT TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP >> Nelly Korda, Jin Young Ko, Nasa Hataoka and Celine Boutier tied for first place after three rounds of the CME Group Tour Championship at Tiburon Golf Club in Naples, Fla.
Boutier entered the day with a four-stroke lead, but shot even-par 72. Hataoka fired an 8-under 64 for the best score of the third round. Ko shot a 6-under 66 and Korda recorded a 5-under 67 to join the crowd of leaders.