Djokovic sets up Nadal showdown

Federer, playing with a weeklong stubble, faced more questions after the match about his beard than about the struggles with his serve that saw him broken five times.

Federer’s enduring brilliance and his sheer hatred of losing allowed him to withstand a stunning fight back from Nishikori and remain undefeated.

But apparently it has turned out to be a lucky charm for the World No. 3.

Djokovic’s best has been on display nearly entirely throughout what will go down as a dominant and historic 2015 campaign, which features three Grand Slam titles. The Serb for his part has also been a little off in his last two matches although appearing better against Berdych after a sub-standard outing against Federer.

Earning a set point after escaping a 0-40 hole, a short, looping Nadal forehand – the kind he had been offering up less and less during his revival – was punished by Ferrer. Nishikori got to game point but a fantastic rally from Federer which ended with a perfectly arrowed backhand in the corner got the game back to deuce.

Nishikori was on the verge of doing just that, too.

Federer smelt blood and an easy hold to 15 meant that the world number two was 4-1 up in the second set.

Federer’s clean-shaven look is well known, and is one of the most consistent aspects of his appearance. He was still a shade off with his serve, winning just 66 percent of his first serve points. He’s been able to pick his spots for when he opens up and flattens out set-up shots or winners, backed by his underrated net play.

Federer perennially dazzles with his varied, attacking game but Nishikori is no slouch when it comes to entertaining fans, either.

“There have been many close matches over the years”.

Federer can cruise with fast service games when he is in the zone; it’s a lovely pace-rhythm that can seemingly mesmerize his opponents into quick death. There were a number of shots that brought the crowd on its feet in this Stan Smith group clash, not because any one man had played it, but for the sheer magic of the exchange – dropshots, volleys and pickups. “He’s been playing a few very good tennis the first couple matches here”.

This week at the ATP Finals, he has beaten world No. 4 Stanislas Wawrinka and No. 2 Andy Murray without dropping a set to reach the semi-finals with a match to spare.

The 28-year-old Serbian, who only needed to win one set to clinch a spot in the semifinals, ousted Berdych from the tournament by holding serve in the next game.

Federer defeated Djokovic in straight sets on Tuesday.

So Djokovic found himself in the most unexpected place. In the end it’s a matter of if the ball lands in between the lines, you play good tennis’.

However, Berdych responded with a break of his own, and in the third game, the big Czech saved two break points with a couple of Aces. In this case, let’s call it a three-set thriller with Djokovic getting a key break late in the match. I’m trying to win every match that I play.