Missed a moment of the action from Saturday at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals? Here’s your executive summary:
1) Marathon Murray Prevails
In the longest three-set match at the season finale since match times were recorded in 1991, World No. 1 Andy Murray saved a match point to defeat fourth seeds Milos Raonic 5-7, 7-6(5), 7-6(9) in three hours and 38 minutes. Murray cut a backhand volley down match point at 8/9 in the final-set tie-break to level the match and then took the final two points to prevail. Read Match Report
The Brit will now play Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final for both the title and to finish as year-end No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. Djokovic is in familiar territory as a four-time defending champion at The O2, while Murray is into the final in London for the first time in his career.
2) Djokovic Produces Flawless Performance
In direct contrast to Murray’s epic win, Djokovic wasted no time getting down to business, needing just 66 minutes to record a 6-1, 6-1 victory over Kei Nishikori. The Serbian broke Nishikori in his first five return games, firing 14 winners on the night and never allowing the Japanese star into the match. He also improved his FedEx ATP Head2Head record against Nishikori to 11-2.
Djokovic will come into his championship clash with Murray leading 24-10 in their FedEx ATP Head2Head rivalry. He is seeking to finish 2016 atop the year-end Emirates ATP Rankings for the third straight year and fifth time in his career. Read Match Report
3) Murray and Raonic’s Magic Moments
Murray and Raonic pulled out all the stops in a bid to secure victory on Saturday, with both players displaying exquisite touch around the net in crucial moments.
4) Quote Of The Day
“There's a lot to take away from it. I have to be proud that I finished the year with giving it every ounce of energy I had. I'm pretty sure I'm going to feel like crap tomorrow. I'll look back at 2016 with a lot of good moments, a lot of pride, a lot to be proud of,” Raonic, reflecting on his match with Murray and finishing the year at No. 3 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. Read Raonic Reaction
5) Upsets Galore In Doubles Semi-Finals
New doubles champions are guaranteed to be crowned on Sunday as a pair of first-time finalists recorded impressive semi-final wins. Fifth seeds Henri Kontinen/John Peers put on a serving clinic in defeating third seeds Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan, 7-6(2), 6-4. Kontinen/Peers have yet to lose a match this tournament and have now won 13 of their past 15 matches. Read Match Report
Awaiting them in the finals are seventh seeds Raven Klaasen/Rajeev Ram, who recorded a convincing 6-1, 6-4 win over second seeds and newly minted World No. 1 team Jamie Murray/Bruno Soares. Klaasen/Ram dropped just 12 points in the first set and remained in control throughout the contest. Read Match Report