Djokovic sets up ATP Finals title clash with Zverev

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Novak Djokovic beat Kevin Anderson on Saturday and set up a title decider at the ATP Finals against Alexander Zverev, who ousted Roger Federer thanks to a bizarre ball boy blunder.

World No.1 Djokovic comfortably saw off the South African fourth seed 6-2, 6-2, as the Serb is now targeting a record-equaling sixth end-of-season title at London's O2 Arena.

As one of the greatest returners in the history of the game, 14-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic has only lost two matches since July as he makes up for lost time following elbow surgery and poor form earlier in the season.

Earlier, 21-year-old Zverev beat Federer 7-5, 7-6 (7/5), denying the Swiss veteran a tilt at his 100th title.

Switzerland's Roger Federer getsures after losing his semi final match against Germany's Alexander Zverev, November 17, 2018. /VCG Photo

Zverev stopped a rally with Federer leading 4-3 in the second-set tie-break after a ball boy dropped the ball.

Zverev won the replayed point with an ace and nudged into a 5-4 lead before Federer inexplicably netted with a simple forehand volley to hand the German two match points, the second of which he took on his own serve.

"Obviously the crowd didn't appreciate it, which I was a little bit upset -- not upset, but I was a little bit sad at the end with the booing and reaction of the crowd," said Zverev as the Federer-loving crowd was in an uproar after the incident.

"Maybe they didn't know what actually happened. That was maybe part of the reaction. But, you know, at the end of the day I said sorry to Roger at the net. He said 'Look, you don't even have to apologize.'"

Federer described it as a "big call" but said Zverev was not to blame.

(Source: Agencies)