Novak Djokovic survived a barrage of serves and forehands from Juan Martin del Potro to rally from a set and a break down and beat the Argentine for a place in the final in London.
Del Potro, who had beaten Roger Federer the day before, was in full power mode against the world No1 but allowed the Serb a chance back in the match in the second set and eventually fell 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to Djokovic.
“I believed that I could come back and turn this match around in my favour and I’ve done so,” said Djokovic, who will be gunning for a second ATP World Tour Finals title to add to the one from 2008.
“I played from that moment, when I got the break back, very flawless tennis. That makes me very happy and also confident for tomorrow’s final.”
Del Potro, a finalist in London three years ago, came out in thunderous form, crushing his serves and forehand in the same way he did against Federer on Saturday.
The Argentine had no trouble saving two break points on his first service game and made his move in the ninth game breaking Djokovic when the Serb netted a forehand. Del Potro served out the set with ease after winning 12 of the last 13 points of the set.
Djokovic had to save three break points to hold his opening service game in the second set and when del Potro broke for a 2-1 lead, it looked like the world No7 was on his way to a second upset.
But Djokovic broke back immediately for 2-2, and he got the decisive break in the eighth game on his second attempt which was enough to take the set and force a decider.
“I was aware that the key for me would be to try to get as many returns back in the court and get into the rally. I wasn’t managing to do so, especially the end of the first set, beginning of the second,” explained Djokovic.
He upped the ante as del Potro’s game seemed to disintegrate. Two breaks in the final set gave Djokovic the win.
“Nole (Djokovic) improved his game basically in the middle of the second set until the end of the match. He deserved to win today,” del Potro said.
“These kind of matches give me illusions (sic) for next season. I beat Roger yesterday, I was close to beating Nole today. In the end, they are too good for me. But I’m getting closer every day.”
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