ATP World Tour Finals 2018 Results: Friday Tennis Scores and Updated Schedule

Gill Clark @@gillclarkyFeatured Columnist INovember 16, 2018

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 16: Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates after winning match point in his third singles round robin match against John Isner of The United States during Day Six of the Nitto ATP Finals at The O2 Arena on November 16, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Third seed Alexander Zverev booked his place in the semi-finals of the 2018 ATP World Tour Finals with a straight-set win over John Isner on Friday.

Novak Djokovic was also a winner at London's O2 Arena. The Serb, who had already confirmed his place in the last four as a group winner, defeated fifth seed Marin Cilic in straight sets.

Both Zverev and Djokovic will return on Saturday for their semi-final matches. The German takes on Roger Federer, while the top seed plays South Africa's Kevin Anderson.

Friday's Results, Group Guga Kuerten

(3) Alexander Zverev bt. (8) John Isner, 7-6 (5), 6-3

(1) Novak Djokovic bt. (5) Marin Cilic, 7-6 (7), 6-2

Saturday's Schedule

Not before 2 p.m. GMT/10 a.m. ET: (2) Roger Federer vs. (3) Alexander Zverev

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Not before 8 p.m. GMT/3 p.m. ET: (1) Novak Djokovic vs. (4) Kevin Anderson

Friday Recap

Isner's slim hopes of reaching the last four were ended on Friday by Zverev. The first set was dominated by the servers, with the only break point earned by Isner at 6-5. Zverev promptly delivered an ace and went on to force the tiebreak.

The tiebreak was a tense affair, but Zverev forced a set point with a superb half-volley down the line. The American then netted a forehand to hand the first set to his opponent, sparking a strong reaction from the German:

Tennis TV @TennisTV
One set from the semis 👊 Sascha Zverev edges the opener 7-6(5) against Isner, knocking the American out of the #NittoATPFinals. https://t.co/9JOsEUd27r

Zverev seemed to grow in confidence after winning the first set. He pounced again in the second at 4-4 to convert his first break point and held at love to set up a semi-final with Federer.

The 21-year-old spoke of his delight after the match:

George Bellshaw @BellshawGeorge
Zverev: 'Obviously I’m unbelievable happy to be in the semi-finals now. John is such a tough opponent. The last two matches could have gone both ways for him really. The first set was unbelievably tight. I’m just happy to be through.'

The win puts Zverev into the last four of the tournament for the first time in his career. He'll be the underdog against Federer but has beaten the Swiss star in two of their five previous meetings, per the ATP World Tour.

Djokovic was also made to work hard for the first set against Cilic in Friday's second match. Neither player could break in the first set, which went to a tiebreak. The top seed just had the edge, with a Cilic forehand going into the net to give Djokovic the opener.

Commentator David Law felt it was the best set of the tournament:

David Law @DavidLawTennis
It doesn’t mean anything in terms of qualification, but arguably the best set we’ve seen. Cilic had set point in the TB. Djokovic saved it and won the set. BBC Radio Commentary https://t.co/3c2vR5tqVT

Djokovic increased the pressure at the start of the second set. He had three chances to earn an early break, but the Croat managed to serve his way out of trouble and gain an important hold.

In contrast, the Serb was having few problems on serve. Journalist Sasa Ozmo highlighted his dominance:

Saša Ozmo @ozmo_sasa
Djokovic had just won 31 consecutive points on serve. What is the record, @SharkoTennis, @ATPWorldTour? #NittoATPFinals

The pressure eventually showed with Cilic serving at 2-2. He managed to save two break points but sent a crosscourt shot wide on the third to put Djokovic in control of the match.

Djokovic seemed to be in a hurry and broke again for a 5-2 lead. He had little trouble serving it out to send Cilic out of the tournament.

It was an almost flawless performance by the Joker, who heads into the semi-finals as the hot favourite to clinch the title.