Novak Djokovic won his third straight FedEx ATP Head2Head meeting against Roger Federer on Tuesday in an enthralling Group B clash at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
Djokovic, the 2008 titlist and defending champion, won a repeat of last year’s final 6-4, 6-7(2), 6-2, which lasted two hours and 22 minutes at The O2 in London.
“It was probably the toughest start I could get for this tournament,” said Djokovic. “It was always going to be a tough match for both of us.
Djokovic will qualify for the semi-finals on Thursday if he beats Juan Martin del Potro in two sets. He can also book his spot should he beat del Potro and Federer overcomes Richard Gasquet.
The 26-year-old Djokovic improved to a 68-9 match record on the season and kept alive his chances of clinching year-end No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings for the third straight time.
Djokovic saved a break point at 4-4, 30/40 in the first set, when Federer missed a forehand into space by a whisker.
In the next game, Federer came under pressure. At 15/30, Djokovic hit a forehand to Federer’s toes and the six-time former titlist spooned a forehand out of the court.
