Sports
Federer survived a nerve-shredding battle before emerging victorious 4-6 7-5 7-6(6) against Wawrinka.
Updated : Sep 29, 2017, 06:09 PM IST
Roger Federer saved four match points, before winning a gripping semi-final, in a deciding set tiebreak against fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka on Saturday, to set up a dream ATP World Tour Final climax with Novak Djokovic.
Six-times champion Federer survived a nerve-shredding battle before emerging victorious, 4-6 7-5 7-6(6), in the standout match of the week at London's O2 Arena, despite Wawrinka's fightback.
Serving at 5-4 in the final set, Wawrinka lost his nerve and watched three gilt edged chances slip agonisingly by, the second of which was a feeble volley into the net that will give him nightmares.
As the intense duel moved into the tiebreak, both men looked out on their feet. Wawrinka had another match point at 6-5, this time on Federer's serve, but again he could not take it.
Federer then completed a remarkable two hour 48 minute victory in the coolest manner possible, producing a nerveless drop volley to end the contest.
Earlier world number one Djokovic beat Japan's Kei Nishikori, in three sets in the other semifinal.