Dominant Djokovic to take on resurgent Nadal in World Tour semis

Tennis's World No 1 Novak Djokovic beat Tomas Berdych in straight sets to setup a mouth-watering semifinal clash against Rafael Nadal at the year ending ATP World Tour final in London on Thursday.

Novak Djokovic is aiming for his fourth successive World Tour title. RFI/Pierre René-Worms

Djokovic, who had lost to former World No 1 Roger Federer in the group stage, was under pressure going into the match as he had to secure a set against Berdych to advance to the semifinals.

However, Berdych wasn’t able to put Djokovic to a stern test as the Serbian eased to a win in under 90 minutes.

Djokovic is vying for his fourth consecutive Tour Finals win.

Nadal had already booked his place in the semi-final with one match in the group stage left. He has recently struggled with injury and form but has shown signs of resurgence, particularly in his match against world No 2 Andy Murray who was crushed 6-4, 6-1 on Wednesday.

The other semi-final will feature Federer and the winner of the Murray-Stan Wawrinka match. On Thursday Federer defeated world No 8 Kei Nishikori in three sets 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.

Speaking about his match against Nadal, Djokovic said “We have played so many times and even a couple of times on this very court.”

“He has played great in his first couple of matches and hopefully I will be able to play my best. That is what is needed to beat him."