Federer downs Zverev in the battle of the generations
Tennis - ATP World Tour Finals - The O2 Arena, London, Britain - November 14, 2017 Switzerland's Roger Federer reacts during his group stage match against Germany's Alexander Zverev Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien
LONDON (Reuters) - Roger Federer marched into the semi-finals of the ATP Finals once again on Tuesday but he made hard work of the task before finally prevailing 7-6(6) 5-7 6-1 in a high-quality battle of the generations with Germany's Alexander Zverev.
The 36-year-old six-times champion may have been giving away 16 years to the man tipped to be the next superstar of the game but Federer proved in a dominant third set that for the moment he remains a cut above his young pursuers.
The triumph in 2 hours 11 minutes puts the 19-times grand slam champion in Saturday's semi-finals -- the 14th time he has made the last four in 15 appearances -- with the tournament still only three days old.
Tennis - ATP World Tour Finals - The O2 Arena, London, Britain - November 14, 2017 Germany's Alexander Zverev reacts during his group stage match against Switzerland's Roger Federer Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien
It also meant that Zverev and Jack Sock, who earlier battled from behind to beat Marin Cilic 5-7 6-2 7-6(4), will now meet on Thursday to decide the other qualifier from the Boris Becker group.
Federer's win ensured Cilic, once again a disappointment at the season-ending tournament, was eliminated. World number two Federer is now an overwhelming favourite for a seventh crown in the absence of Rafael Nadal, who has pulled out injured.
Tennis - ATP World Tour Finals - The O2 Arena, London, Britain - November 14, 2017 Switzerland's Roger Federer shakes hands with Germany's Alexander Zverev at the end of the match Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'Brien
(Reporting by Ian Chadband; Editing by Toby Davis)
Tennis - ATP World Tour Finals - The O2 Arena, London, Britain - November 14, 2017 Germany's Alexander Zverev during his group stage match against Switzerland's Roger Federer Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'BrienTennis - ATP World Tour Finals - The O2 Arena, London, Britain - November 14, 2017 Germany's Alexander Zverev in action during his group stage match against Switzerland's Roger Federer REUTERS/Hannah McKayTennis - ATP World Tour Finals - The O2 Arena, London, Britain - November 14, 2017 Germany's Alexander Zverev waves to the fans after losing his group stage match against Switzerland's Roger Federer Action Images via Reuters/Tony O'BrienTennis - ATP World Tour Finals - The O2 Arena, London, Britain - November 14, 2017 Germany's Alexander Zverev in action during his group stage match against Switzerland's Roger Federer REUTERS/Hannah McKay
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