Del Potro eliminates Tipsarevic in London

London, Nov 9 (IANS/RIA Novosti) World No. 7 Juan Martin del Potro defeated ninth-ranked Janko Tipsarevic to end the Serb’s chances of reaching the semi-finals of the $8.85 million ATP World Tour Finals here.

Del Potro swept away his opponent in the first set and denied him any break points as he secured a 6-0, 6-4 win Thursday in the round robin stage of the season-ending tournament.

The Argentinian now must beat reigning champion Roger Federer Saturday to reach the semi-finals.

“I’m glad to beat Janko tonight,” del Potro said on the ATP website, adding that he had improved his game since losing to Spain’s David Ferrer in his first match.

“I play much better than my first match here. A win in two sets gives me a chance to go to the next match.”

Tipsarevic was eliminated in the round robin for the second year in a row at the Tour Finals and will play Ferrer in his last round robin match.

“I feel sorry that I don’t play my best tennis here in London, which is probably the best event of the year,” Tipsarevic said, adding that he would try hard to end the season on a high by beating Ferrer.

Friday, Novak Djokovic faces Tomas Berdych and local favourite Andy Murray encounters France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

—IANS/RIA Novosti

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IANS 2012-11-09 15:46:07