Medvedev batters Djokovic at ATP Finals
Novak Djokovic was knocked off course in stunning fashion by Russian battering ram Daniil Medvedev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday, losing 6-3, 6-3 to leave his hopes of escaping from the group in peril.
The world No. 1 had worked hard to establish a 3-2 lead in a mesmerizing start to the Tokyo Group clash, but 24-year-old Medvedev then found another gear to seize control.
Pummelling high- velocity groundstrokes deep into the corners, Medvedev went on a near perfect seven-game winning sequence to leave a bemused Djokovic puffing out his cheeks.
By the time five-time champion Djokovic managed to stop the rot, the 33-year-old was a set and 3-1 in arrears.
Medvedev was relentless, however, and continued to boss the baseline rallies as he moved into a 5-2 lead.
Djokovic held serve to at least test Medvedev's nerve, but the Russian was ice cool as he closed out victory to make it two wins from two in the group and guarantee a semifinal berth.
Medvedev, who made only 12 unforced errors, lost all three of his group matches on his debut here in London last year, but now looks like a genuine title contender.
Djokovic, on the other hand, faces a straight shootout with Alexander Zverev on Friday as he tries to keep alive his hopes of progressing from the group and staying on course for a record-equalling sixth title at the tournament.
Earlier at the O2 Arena, Zverev bounced back from his loss to Medvedev to beat Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 4-6, 6-3.
Djokovic also made news off the court.
He appears to have made a U-turn and wants to rejoin the ATP player council after having quit in August and forming a breakaway organization with Canadian Vasek Pospisil.
Djokovic caused shock waves just before the U.S. Open when he announced he was forming the Professional Tennis Players' Association. As a result, he was obliged to resign as head of the player council.
Djokovic is on a list of players applying to seek election in December.