Federer stuns Djokovic in ATP Finals

Roger Federer stunned Novak Djokovic to reach the last four of the ATP Finals and end the Serbian’s bid to finish the year as world No 1.

The 38-year-old Swiss came through a straight shootout in the group stage with his great rival, winning their 49th meeting 6-4, 6-3.

Djokovic’s defeat, coupled with his loss to Dominic Thiem, saw him fail to qualify for the last four in London for the first time since 2011. It also meant Rafael Nadal will end the year at the top of the world rankings for the fifth time, tying with Federer and Djokovic.

Earlier, Matteo Berrettini signed off from the 02 by becoming the first Italian to win a match at the ATP Finals with a surprise victory over Thiem. The 23-year-old, beaten in his first two matches by Djokovic and Federer, won 7-6(3), 6-3.

Berrettini could not qualify for the semi-finals in London, while Austrian Thiem was already through following wins over Djokovic and Federer. It was a winning end to a fine season for Berrettini, who began the year ranked 54. The eighth seed said: “I’m really proud of myself and for my team, my family and my friends.

“It’s been an unbelievable season and I didn’t expect at the beginning to be here. I hope to be back next year. I’m happy to finish with a win.”

Thiem’s below-par show could be put down to the cold he has been carrying this week. The 26-year-old has an extra day to recover before facing one of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev, Nadal or Daniil Medvedev.