Defending champion Novak Djokovic secured a semifinal spot at the ATP World TOur Finals on Thursday after defeating 2009 runner-up Juan Martin Del Potro 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.
The 2008 and 2012 champion advanced since Roger Federer defeated Richard Gasquet in the earlier match 6-4, 6-3.
“I did qualify for the semi-finals, which is definitely positive news,” said Djokovic. “But I still want to try to win the last match of the group.”
“I played a poor game at 3 2 [in the] second set,” said Djokovic. “He used his chance to come back in the match. All three sets were decided with the breaks of serve at 3 2, same score. Just a little bit of [a] lack of concentration on his side [and] on my side decided this match.”
“I saved two break points at the start of the third set,” said Djokovic. “I had opportunities in that game at 3-2, used it. I just tried to make him play. I served very well towards the end of the match.
“He has one of the biggest serves in the sport. He has one of the most aggressive forehands. I just needed to stay tough.”
This is Djokovic’s 69th match win of the season.
Del Potro will face Roger Federer on Saturday with the winner securing the second and last semifinal spot for Group B.
“Now I will have to play better against Roger,” said del Potro. “It’s going to be a decision match for both. I will try to do my best.”
Djokovic believes the upcoming Federer vs Djokovic match is too close to call.
“It’s difficult to say really because all the matches that they played against each other this year, lately, have gone the distance,” he said.
“Roger is definitely playing better than he was throughout the whole year. He loves these conditions. He likes this court. Today, he had a great performance against Gasquet. But on the other hand, del Potro has a big serve. I expect a three-set battle. I can’t pick the winner.”
