But Federer broke back to level at 4-4 and motored on to take the first set, breaking again as Wawrinka double-faulted and misfired, a volley into the net sealing matters. The racket which he smashed on the court shortly after failing to capitalise on a break point as Wawrinka served for the match was testament to his desire to win.
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Instead, Murray’s thoughts will immediately turn to worldwide duty as Britain prepare for their first Davis Cup final in 37 years next week.
Later, Andy Murray plays Stan Wawrinka with the victor earning a semifinal against Roger Federer.
Perhaps the Murray match, which was a straight fight for a place in the last four, took too much out of Wawrinka, who seemed intent on going for broke.
Over to Football, as Chinese Super League Champions Guangzhou Evergrande are looking to lift the Continental Title for a 2nd time in 3 years in Saturday’s 2nd Leg Final in Guangzhou.
Murray recovered from a break down in the opener but from 4-2 up in the tie-break things fell apart, and the frustrated world No 2 failed to make the last four for the fourth time in six appearances at London’s O2 Arena.
But the world number five had not done his chances of defeating Djokovic any favours by engaging in a bruising marathon victory over David Ferrer in a meaningless group match just 24 hours earlier.
Nadal was speaking after completing a clean sweep in his group thanks to a three-set win over David Ferrer.
Nadal hit only two more winners in the first set following the third game, and made 18 unforced errors.
Djokovic, who won three Grand Slam titles this year and reached the final at the other, is close to setting his own record at the ATP finals.
“I think he’s only going to get better”, said Federer. There aren’t many players who can take down Djokovic without expending vast amounts of energy in the process.
“For me, today was another opportunity to compete”. Nadal was alongside Federer dominating the tour.
“Then the next week I’m going to practise a little bit of tennis and more physical performance”. He’s winning by one match. I normally strike the ball fairly well. When he’s on, it’s hard to play him.
Djokovic said: “It’s a fact that he’s been playing better and he’s been raising his level ever since the US Open, I think”.
“We always play matches with a lot of tension”. You know, three straight wins against top eight players.
“I feel well. In terms of motivation, it is great to see myself competing against the best already and competing well”.
He said: “If I could then I would have done something about it. I was trying to be aggressive and dictate the play, and I managed to pull out my best game when it was needed the most”.
Despite the loss, Nadal kept the positive attitude he has had all week and remains confident of a better season in 2016.
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“Novak for the moment is nearly unbeatable”, Nadal said. I have been playing in another league.
