Djokovic seals semi spot

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 12:09

Australian Open champion Djokovic secured his place at the top of the gold group after following up his opening-day win over Juan Martin del Potro, who earlier beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5).

“I did expect a close match against Nikolay,” said Djokovic. “I had very unexplainable ups and downs, especially in the second set. I was also lucky to save several break points.”

Djokovic, 21, only showed brief flashes of the form that saw the Serbian win in Melbourne and claim Masters Series titles in Indian Wells and Rome this year, but he recovered after the second-set collapse to qualify for his first Masters Cup semi-finals.

Djokovic’s win also ensured Paris Masters champion Tsonga is unable to qualify for the last four after losing both opening matches of his maiden appearance at the season-ending eight-man tournament.

In Thursday’s final group games, Argentinian Davis Cup star Del Potro will face Russia’s Davydenko, 27, for a place in the semi-finals, while Tsonga will look to claim his first Masters Cup triumph against Djokovic in a dead rubber at Qi Zhong Tennis Stadium.

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