• ATP World Tour Finals

Ferrer stuns Djokovic to book semi-final berth

Novak Djokovic needs to beat Janko Tipsarevic on Friday © Getty Images

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David Ferrer claimed the scalp of world No. 1 Novak Djokovic to book his place in the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Two days after his unlikely victory over Andy Murray, Ferrer condemned Djokovic to only his fifth defeat of the season with a resounding 6-3 6-1 victory at the O2 Arena.

Djokovic was left to rue 33 unforced errors as he missed the chance to join Roger Federer in the last four, although his fate remains in his hands - a win against fellow Serb Janko Tipsarevic on Friday would secure his semi-final spot.

Djokovic, who was some way off his best during his win over Tomas Berdych in his opening round robin match, found himself immediately under pressure from the Spaniard.

Ferrer was rewarded for his relentless energy when a Djokovic forehand flashed wide to hand the Spaniard two break points, which the world No. 5 grabbed with a superb winner past an advancing Djokovic.

A visibly frustrated Djokovic was helpless to stop Ferrer streaking away to victory, winning seven successive games to wrap up the opening set and tighten his grip on the match with an early break in the second.

A double fault handed Ferrer the chance for a double break, and although a big serve got Djokovic out of trouble, it merely delayed the inevitable as Ferrer took command of the match when a Djokovic backhand failed to clear the net.

Serving for the match, a double fault briefly checked Ferrer's progress, but the Spaniard produced a fizzing forehand to wrap up the victory in style.

"I just wasn't there," Djokovic said. "It was the worst match I've played this season so far definitely. So many unforced errors."

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