Day 7: Djokovic v Nadal Tennis: World Tour Finals

We are in a period unique in the history of the sport. Three players

with double figure Grand Slam victories all active at the same

time. This evening, the most decorated, Roger Federer, takes on

Swiss compatriot, Stan Wawrinka in the second semifinal. Before that,

the two giants of the game come face to face, stand toe to toe, go

head-to-head for a place in tomorrow's final. The dominant force

in men's tennis, the defending champion here in London. I don't

think it gets much better than watching Rafael Nadal play. They say

live in the now, embrace tennis's golden era, it won't be around

forever. It's been a privilege to watch these

great champions over the years, Roger, Rafa, Novak, 41 Grand Slam

titles between them, but it is not about the numbers, it is about what

they have brought to the game. This is a proper match today. It is 23-22

in the head-to-head. This is a era-defining rivalry, these two

guys. I mean, there's something possibly special goes on when they

play against each other. I can't wait to see Rafa throwing it all at

Novak today. This is great fun. Djokovic against Nadal, that is our

match today. Those three, and we talk about it, it is a golden era,

isn't it? It is. When you reflect on those numbers, the Grand Slams, we

have had some amazing eras before, Sampras, Agassi, Edberg and Lendl.

It does look like Djokovic will be dominating for a few more years to m

co-. It is amazing to see how this rivalry has unfolded. This is their

46th meeting, the most of any rivalry in the history of the game.

For me, Djokovic starts as the favourite. They are lovely matches.

They have had so many great matches over the years? You think about the

rallies they put together. They take the athleticism to a new level,

Federer arrived first and took over for a while. He was joined by Rafael

Nadal, you saw the flash light pictures from the 2008 final at

Wimbledon, then Djokovic arrived, and this is the Djokovic era, how

did he take over from Nadal and Federer? Stanislas Wawrinka and Andy

Murray are a point of the argument. These two are the boss. There is a

special buzz around the O2 and they will both get a huge cheer.

Including 14 Grand Slam and 27 Masters 1000 trophies, from Spain,

Rafael Nadal! Ladies and gentlemen, making his

ninth successive appearance, winner of 58 titles, including 26 Masters

1000 trophies and ten Grand Slams, the defending champion, and the ATP

world number one, from Serbia, Novak Djokovic!

A great atmosphere there is. This tournament is very special, great

crowds, they are big tennis fans, and they are looking forward to

this. They will enjoy it, both of them chasing records as well. Rafa

is looking for his first end-of-year title. But he's won all four Grand

Slams, the Davis Cup, he has an Olympic gold in singles, this is the

only Major event he is yet to win? That's right. He's got an incredible

CV, but the one big tournament he has not been able to win has been

the World Tour Finals, he's talked about how he would like to see the

year-end Championships played on clay. He would have won it a dozen

times then! Probably, to be fair, he's probably got a point with that

argument. When you reflect back to this week and this event, there's

almost a little bit of uncertainty with round-robin format. There are

scenarios where you can lose a match and still go through, that is the

way Djokovic got through losing to Federer in the group. Now, it is

back to business of the knockout stages, it is the semifinals and it

is all to play for. A bit of a question mark, three sets yesterday

for Nadal against Ferrer and how much has he got left in the tank?

Because he's had such a difficult year and hasn't had all the match

wins that he's had previously, he's lost a bit of confidence, look he

was so happy to actually win, to be out there competing. I did question

it and I still question it. Three-and-a-half hours of tennis

yesterday, two-and-a-half hours of the match and an hour of practice.

We will see if it's affected him today.

UMPIRE: Good afternoon, gentlemen. We are using the net machine and we

have TV change-overs, so please be seated until I say "time" and we are

using Hawk-Eye. Use your voice, say "challenge" loud and clear and the

challenge has to be immediately. 25 seconds. Any questions? Heads or

tails? Heads is called. Tails. Novak? Serve. Picture with Sharon.

They look like a couple of heavyweight boxers getting ready

before a bout, they are both so ready for this. Very much so. I

think as Andrew mentioned yesterday, Rafa having that long match, I feel

that his year hasn't been as good as he would have expected, so,

therefore, he will be fresh and he know this is is the last tournament

of the year. He will be wanting to let it all hang out today. We saw

there just how the group finished and who came through. We mentioned

that Nadal was unbeaten here and Djokovic lost his match to Federer,

but we have mentioned the big three, and Roger is through, but there is a

fourth man in the semifinals, we know now that it is Stanislas

Wawrinka. He came through in straight sets against Andy Murray.

Murray was a breakdown, but he was 4-2 up in the tie-break, and then

lost it 7-4. I watched the match, I thought Andy was - I think it is

right now for Andy to get ready for this magnificent achievement which

he is right on the verge of next week, the Davis Cup. The fact he

lost this match is a disappointment. We want to see him play. Of course,

I wanted him to win this and play Federer, it would have been

fantastic. There was a lot of good things that happened in the match

for him. He had that chance in the first set. But now his tournament is

over, it is OK, rest now, be with Kim for a day or two, get some

practice in, and go to Belgium and be ready. This was in the wrong

place for him, this event. He didn't play great. They were in a different

place. He didn't want to have any excuses, they changed that, it is

over for Andy and I'm sort of glad it is. A good effort last night but

not quite enough. He certainly had his chances in the second set, he

was two breaks of serve down and nearly broke back, but Stan Wawrinka

was too tough. Stan has had a great record here, three appearances at

the end-of-year Championships and he's been in the semifinal three

times. Andy Murray now has to concentrate on the Davis Cup. It is

Stan Wawrinka who goes through, a repeat of last year's semifinal

against Roger Federer. A great atmosphere here last night as well.

So, here is the semifinal line-up. We are looking forward to Djokovic

against Nadal, then the all-Swiss affair as Federer takes on Wawrinka.

Now, today we have just heard the sad news that one of the great

pioneers of BBC Sport's broadcasting died peacefully yesterday at the age

of 94. He was the first presenter of Grandstand and many other iconic

programmes. Our thoughts with his family and friends.

How he would certainly have enjoyed the sporting theatre that we have on

offer here this afternoon. And these guys offer so much, they know each

other's game so well, they play the big points well. But is Rafael Nadal

still the player he was because Novak has won all three meetings

this year? He is getting a lot closer. We have talked a lot about

Rafa's performance in Miami when he gave the press conference saying how

nervous he was getting in the biggest moments in his matches and

how that was affecting his performances. In the last five or

six weeks, he's started to get his game back to where we know and love

to see. He's been very aggressive, I have been impressed with the way he

has been flattening his backhand out, which will be an important shot

against Djokovic. Djokovic will look to pin him in that backhand corner

and use the forehand down the line, so I think Rafa can go out there and

be ultra-aggressive today, he doesn't have anything to lose, he's

got lots to gain, and he will be keen to try and keep his nose in

front. Good to see he is enjoying himself. He was asked after the

match, it went three sets, will that affect him, he said, "I don't know,

maybe it will." He said, "Winning that match gave he 200 points." That

is like winning a 250 event. And securing another victory against a

world top ten. It is about building confidence? That is right. When you

have struggled on the big points - he went from the greatest big-point

player to number four. He was like number 50 in big-points play. He was

losing the big points. He was choking a bit. He is getting nervous

and you lose your forehand and you lose the believe in yourself. To

have this man back at the top table is just fantastic. Earlier this

year, legitimate questions were being asked about whether he would

ever be as good as he's been before again. I think we are seeing now,

this is the first signs, this tournament, that he is ready to go

back to the top. You say 45 meetings, it is great rivalry.

There's been so many great rivalries over the years, and we have enjoyed

so many of them. 46 meetings and Djokovic-Federer, Lendl-McEnroe. My

favourite isn't there, Connors-McEnroe. Yes. There have

been some great rivalries. We want to ask you which rivalry you have

enjoyed over the years. That is our question today. You can get in

touch. This certainly, Tim, is one of the best? It certainly is.

Looking down that list, I think it is interesting not to forget

Agassi-Sampras. Back to this match, when Djokovic lost to Federer, there

were a lot of people thought that that could be the final as well. And

the way that the draw has evolved coming through to the semifinals, I

do see Djokovic coming through. He's been so consistent, he's been so

dominant in the big matches and I think when you look at this

match-up, the way he moves, how aggressive he is from the back of

the court, I feel in the baseline exchanges Djokovic wins 60-40, he

will come out on top. What a great year he's had. What a great finish

to the year. Before losing to Federer, which was a group match, it

still didn't matter as much, he was undefeated? You know who Federer

picked to win this tournament, he picked Djokovic to win it still. He

has to be favourite. In his great year of 2011, he won 70 matches and

lost 6. This guy is ridiculous. Great rivalries are based on new

standards being set. Rafa has taken a close look at this, thinking, I'm

29, I can be number one again. For a lot of reasons, it is fascinating. I

would go with what Tim said as well, Djokovic starts as a heavy

favourite. He does. For people watching at home, watching these

great players play, the angles they create, they make the court look so

big for their opponent and make them do so much running? That is right.

When you look at their movement and how fast they both are, it is very

difficult to hit through them, so to create those opportunities, I think

you have to use the angles, you have to try and open up the hole to hit

the big shot. We will see Djokovic trying to play the short cross-court

to Rafa's backhand, Rafa will be doing the same with his forehand.

Then it is who can take the more high-risk shot down the line over

the high part of the net into a smaller area of the court that can

dominate these baseline exchanges. Friends, family, coaches, they are

all courtside. A number of superstars are here as well. We are

in for a long afternoon. The rallies will be brutal and in the past, they

have had so many memorable matches. The one at the Australian Open 5

hours 53 minutes? They are both so solid from the baseline. They are

not the quickest in between points. We should settle in for a good, long

afternoon of tennis. OK. I can't wait. Andy, all yours.

COMMENTARY: Thank you very much. I wonder how long it will be before

now and commencement of this match. Rafa does take his time. He is doing

his bottle thing. He is one of the most watchable sportsmen in the

world, isn't he? There's another one. He's got the boys here, too!

Excellent. David playing with his eldest son at Old Trafford the other

day, I saw. Was that for UNICEF? That was delightful to see. From one

great sportsman to another. Now, here is another one still, Novak

Djokovic. Listen to the crowd here. Best of three sets as a reminder.

Season-ending Championships. Two more matches for both these players.

They will throw the kitchen sink at each other. And it is level.

UMPIRE: Ready. Play. A bit closer to the line on the last

forehand than he would have liked. It dropped in. Djokovic can't leave

the ball in the middle of the court, Rafa's forehand.

That is where he is able to create so much spin.

A strange one. A loosener from both ends of the court, Djokovic's second

serve, 80mph in the middle of the box.

Some pretty easy power, isn't it? Incredible!

Boris Becker working with Novak Djokovic, one of his star coaches

from the past who have joined the ranks back on tour again. Ivanovic

with Marin Cilic, Michael Chang with Kei Nishikori, Stefan Edberg with

Roger Federer. Magnus Norman with Stanislas Wawrinka. Rafael Nadal

resisting all calls when his form wasn't quite so good this year to

dispatch with the services of Uncle Toni. He's not one to change a

winning game plan easily. Talking of winning game plans, I

feel Nadal's really going to have to keep his first serve percentage

high. That's so sweetly done. There is no

sense of panic about that at all. It's calmly done. It's technically

perfect. It's a second serve, exactly as Tim Henman was talking

about. Nadal needs first serves. For so many players, this would be a

high-risk shot from behind the baseline. Because of his movement,

and his balance and technique is so good, the ball is two feet inside

the sideline and baseline. What a game of tennis from Novak

Djokovic! Unbelievable start. That is technically as close to

perfection as you can imagine. It's some statement when Djokovic says

I'm going to trade with my backhand to your strength, Rafa, he played

six or seven backhands cross-court into Nadal's forehand and that was

the best of the lot. Nadal had a lot of great baseline

exchanges with Ferrer yesterday, but you felt he could stay in the rally.

Against Djokovic, he will have to go for broke earlier.

Louis Smith, silver medallist at the gymnastics a couple of weeks back.

Max Whitlock got a gold. He was busy taking somebody's selfie for them.

In the meantime, Djokovic continues on his merry way here, very

comfortable start, ten minutes and on the verge of 3-0. What is Nadal

going to do about this? UMPIRE: Mr Nadal is challenging the

call on the near side, the ball is called out. One of these ones, that

even though it is right under his nose, he won't have a view on this.

He is as interested as anybody else. Nadal came across it a bit. It

faded. But it stayed on the line. It keeps the game going.

Very theatrical voice, himself, hasn't he?

Sympathetic to the players, and that is important.

Amazing Djokovic, how do you counter this? Rafael Nadal is looking

forward to next year and he is laying great foundations. He wants

to this win this match. Everybody is trying to catch - there is an idea.

He's trying to catch a and work on his game. Everybody is trying to

catch Novak Djokovic. Is there a weakness in that Serbian game?

Where's ours? A weakness - all I can see is just strengths and when you

think about players of the past, plenty of guys who have played from

the baseline and have had a big forehand. Now, when you look at

Djokovic's game, it is like he is playing with two dominant shots. On

his backhand, he is stepping in and drilling the ball cross-court. It

leaves you very small areas of the court that you can hit into. You

can't outrun him. You are not going to be more flexible than him on the

wings, running laterally. You can try and bring him in, but he's

worked on his volley. Somebody will come through to respond at some

point. He's not unbeatable. At times, when he puts in 20 minutes,

25 minutes like he has now - 20 minutes - it is just too good. A

great challenge for Rafael Nadal. UMPIRE: Time.

Nadal is going to have a lot of crowd support if he can get this

close. Rafa's dad, the Spanish David cup

captain. They are in the world group again, next year.

Rafa took a bit of the first serve there to make sure he got it in and

still the same scenario. Return of serve back on his shoelaces.

Keeping an excellent length on the forehand side, Nadal. Rewarded with

the backhand error and game point. Rafa Nadal going into the body, the

right hip of Novak Djokovic, twice in that game. Direction of serve

very important against great returners. That is a great place to

lock your opponent up, on the right hip.

It has been suggested that the only weakness of Djokovic as a shot is

the overhead and he does actually miss one or two. But you cannot

really expose that can you? 28 Gerald Novak Djokovic, world

number one, a position he has held every single week of this year. He

has been number one since the middle of last year, July. This is the year

he has put together. It's not bad! Only lost on six occasions, ten

titles. The biggest tournaments, the Masters 1000 series, there are nine

of them and he has won six of them, the first man to ever do that. It is

the Grand Slams which define a man's career. At Paris he would be denied

having absolutely dismissed Rafa Nadal, his opponent today in the

quarterfinal, may get all the way through to the final. Novak Djokovic

trying to complete the set found Wawrinka in absolutely outstanding

form. Can you still be considered one of the greatest players of all

time without winning all four of the majors? I think it depends on the

numbers. I think if the French Open was not on his CV at the end of his

career I think it would be a major disappointment for him. I don't see

it happening. I relate to bleed he will win the French Open and

complete the set. It's going to be very interesting, at ten Grand Slams

now, how many more he is going to win with Roger Federer out in front

on 17. Gave a wonderful speech at the end of the final of the French

Open, the disappointment writ large. It was all over his body language,

his face. But was still gracious enough to be as generous and

articulate as he always is. Rafa Nadal has won the French Open just

the nine times! He has only lost twice at that tournament. Madness.

It is a challenge for Nadal to decide where to serve to Djokovic.

It is a challenge for Nadal to Does not truly have the pace

It is a challenge for Nadal to serve through him so has to make

It is a challenge for Nadal to sure he mixes it up.

The body serve is always effective when you get it absolutely spot on,

but if you don't quite hit your target the serve goes straight into

the hitting zone for the opponent. Last game coming up with the old

tennis balls. If they are going to be slower little fluffy at all, it's

going to be in this game. 26 minutes of play so far.

Mr Nadal challenges the call. Looks like a forward base. It leaves a

mark on the court but they do come and clean the court every night.

Djokovic has just got a little bit more weight behind his first serve,

Rafa does not take the return quite so early. It means Djokovic can open

up the angles. Game, Djokovic. New balls please. So

we have had a look at Novak Djokovic's year, the celebration of

achievement that has been. For Rafa Nadal, for the first time in his

career, a real loss of confidence. For once. And it has come as such a

surprise. But there are signs he is coming back. He went down as low as

number ten in the world this summer which did not look right at all. He

is back up to number five. The French Open quarterfinal loss was a

body blow, it confirmed what we were all seeing, that Djokovic was

playing a different level of tennis. It was an unbelievable performance

from Dustin Brown at Wimbledon who has instantly just finished playing

a challenger this week in Italy. Maybe semifinal. An inspired

performance again from Fabio Fognini, from two sets up, rapper

losing 6-4 in the first. That is his Grand Slam year, with three titles

won along the way. Not what he's used to, but back up to number five.

On the same diet as the heroic Novak Djokovic! Gluten-free. I tell you,

it made a huge difference to Novak Djokovic who was often fatigued on

court and would run out of steam. Came out and declared his

gluten-free diet is something which had aided him.

Multipurpose arena of course. The big scoreboard right above the court

is significantly lower than the roof.

There is a bit of momentum for Nadal going into this Djokovic service

game. Nadal will take out a new frame. First time returning. We will

just check his identification. That seems all right. And I think we know

who he is as well! This is a big game coming up.

First sign of anything other total efficiency.

Came at the back of the ball too much, did not get through it.

Especially after being given the gift of the double fault. Djokovic

serving for the set, you don't want to give any donations of your own.

That is it, one break of serve in Nadal's first service game, Djokovic

capitalising to take it. In this magnificent rivalry it is 61 sets

each overtime. I wonder if Nadal has got anything to fight Djokovic

today. STUDIO: Yes, it is all Djokovic at the moment. He said he

would have took up his game against Rafa and has certainly done that so

far. We asked the question on social media, which rivalry have you

enjoyed the most. One saying the volume is -- the Williams sisters.

Nowadays it is Wawrinka versus Djokovic, they have had some

classics as well. How about this one, the best rivalry is Andy Murray

and himself. Interesting. COMMENTATOR: That is a pretty good

one, and I hope he is resting well ahead of what is coming up this week

in Belgium. Able to just chill out a little bit, get away from this.

People don't realise quite the strain of being a competitor in

these events, especially Andy at home. Pressure, but a bit of rest.

Rivalries, Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski, I liked that. It had its

moments. There was always a bit of tension out there. I think any time

you play someone from the same country there will be added spice. I

think the fact that we were the only two British players at the time

added to it. The media revving it up Aluko but. -- it up a little bit.

Just trying to figure out if there is anything Nadal can do here, if

you were coaching, what would you say to him? The first set was all

about the first 16 points. Djokovic won 12 of them, up 3-0, the early

break of set. The next six games were very uneventful. Own a set,

Rafa serving first, he needs to try to keep his nose in front and place

strong service games, build a bit of pressure the scoreboard. But you

know from Djokovic's side of the court he will be ready to up the

ante, raise the intensity, to try and get that early break. To finish

this match in straight sets. Full house this Saturday afternoon,

semifinal of the season-ending championships. They would like

nothing more than to get behind Rafa Nadal and see a close match. We will

see. And nothing slice on the backhand in

the middle of the court and Djokovic will keep that up ten times out of

ten. Djokovic played the backhand down the line that clipped the top

of the net and it looked like it could have been pretty close to

being out. Got the defence of reply from Nadal. -- the defensive reply.

Already Nadal in a bit of a hole on serve in the first game of the

second set. Mr Djokovic challenges the call. The

ball was called out in the line judge I think correctly the cold. --

the call. Does that mean it doesn't need to go to a challenge? Then

Nadal would challenge it. So he changed his call. Rafa will have a

quick look at it. Everybody is challenging everything at this

moment. Now Novak will say did that affect the play of Rafa. Whatever,

play it again. We are all confused. He has missed that one, that is a

big mess. -- miss. Plenty of love from them and the

crowd for Rafa. Good use of the body serve. Got the

defensive reply. Really needs to find a way of holding onto this

first service game. The support from the crowd, it is

almost as if Djokovic is a victim of his own success. They are desperate

for a competitive match up and really trying to get behind Nadal.

It is interesting, Djokovic, he is so good he actually makes the

difficult look so easy that it is easy to think he is a bit dull at

times. It's always too good length, it is always safe. The one on the

right-hand side, it is almost a mistake. Today, great length,

nothing short at all. If was a Canon there he would be knocking

The rest of his numbers were impressive.

The chairman of Wimbledon and his wife.

From Nadal's point of view, it is one of these matches where he always

feels like he is serving. Djokovic has dropped half a dozen points on

serve and Nadal is having to work hard to hold on to his own deal.

Djokovic has lost just seven points on serve. There's two ways to put

pressure on your opponent's serve. One, being a great returner, so you

are always in the service games, but also put pressure on by holding

serve easily. You talk about the advantage of the

two-hander, he was able to use the left hand to get on top of the ball,

but still such impressive execution. Marian Vajda has been with Djokovic

for a lot longer than Boris Becker. Clearly, they work well together.

Vajda was ranked in the 30s, good player, won a couple of titles.

Another good hold. Nadal creating a little bit of momentum here.

End-of-season finale on the ATP Tour. A thing that goes around 31

countries, 61 ATP events, it comes down to this eight-man event. We

have had several multiple winners. Nobody has won it more than Federer

times six! No-one has won it four straight. Lendl got close, Ilie

Nastase was close as well from '71 to '73. Novak Djokovic has a chance

to make it four straight and be the first person to achieve that. Ilie

Nastase was incredible to watch in this event. Boris Becker as well, he

ended Lendl's hopes at Madison Square Gardens in '88.

Becker won it 7-6 in the fifth. How many strokes was it? 72nd was the

net cord, as far as I remember. They weren't hitting it hard enough(!)

Yeah. Good to see Louis Smith here.

Strictly winner. Was that two years ago? I forget. That's on again

tonight. That's pretty competitive. But not quite like when these two go

head-to-head. We haven't seen the high - this is just still simmering

and whether or not Nadal can stay with Djokovic here, I don't know. We

will see. That's exactly the right play,

thumbs up from Carlos Costa, a former top ten player himself,

represents the commercial side of the Nadal empire.

Same again, Tim. This one, 1 minute and 19 seconds.

Novak's wife. Their son, just over a year-old.

UMPIRE: Mr Djokovic is challenging the call, right centre service line,

the ball is called in. Looked good from where we are sitting.

That return was brilliant. So difficult to dig a forehand out of

the right hip area to get the feet into position, to maintain the

racquet head through the ball in that situation. Very impressive.

Didn't look spectacular, did it? Yes, you could say a mistake from

Nadal, but he is hitting, three, four, five unbelievable shots.

Djokovic is there. Watch Djokovic go to the right here.

This one, beneath the height of the net. Here is a moment coming up. Two

break-points, Djokovic. Nadal using that forehand body serve

a lot. Got the mistake. Needs another one

here. Really, what is Nadal to do?

Djokovic was just increasing the speed and the power throughout that

rally. It felt like he could pull the trigger at any moment. This

player, who has so dominated this year, seems to be on the way here.

He has lost a match this week, to Roger Federer, first indoor loss in

years, an unbelievable streak that was, and 23-match unbeaten streak.

Roger Federer has done it this week. I don't know what to think about

Nadal now. You could say it is a mistake at the end, but it is just -

he is subject to pressure from the other end, isn't he? He certainly

was. You felt that Djokovic's mindset, once he got into that point

on the break-point, there was no way he was going to make an unforced

error. He was slowly becoming more and more aggressive and eventually

forced the mistake from Nadal. Fantastic staging here at the O2,

really is an awesome sound system, as you can imagine as well. All

sorts of events are going on here, the Stereophonics are here, Mumford

Sons. The easiest way to get here by Tube, if you have tickets for

tomorrow, the final at 6.00pm. Forget Strictly. I will be watching

Federer against Wawrinka tonight. Want to give us an early prediction

on that? Federer, I would think. He's had a day's rest. But I

wouldn't be more than 51-49 on that one. He has a great head-to-head.

You? I hate to have to agree with you, but I think Federer will win 6

and 4. That's very precise of you. That is where he is able to flatten

out the forehand a bit more, gets the penetration through the court,

to hit the clean winner. He is playing one of the quickest men that

has ever played this game. And he wasn't within six feet of it!

No. How do you get through the back of

the ball instead of up the back on a penetrating, low, well-hit ball from

Djokovic? When you've got such an extreme grip like Nadal.

It seems like the lines are extra thick on Nadal's side of the court.

Djokovic hits them so consistently. Year-end number one, he will be once

again. That will be four of the last five years. Number two in 2013, that

was the year of Nadal's return, do you remember that seven-month

absence, the game missed him so much? Question marks that he

answered so well in 2013. It appears in the last three or four months

that he is back. Or at least trying to regain his very best form. That

is good news. So, still no break-points for Rafael

Nadal. A set and a breakdown. Djokovic has got to hold a couple

more times to make his way through to the final of the World Tour

Finals once again and looking back, Tim, at the matches that they have

played, Djokovic has won seven of the last eight meetings. The final

of the French last year was the only time that Nadal has won in that

time. This year, it's been 6-3, 6-3 in Monte Carlo on the clay, 7-5,

6-3, 6-1 in the French Open quarterfinals and 6-2, 6-2 to

Djokovic in Beijing. The rivalry is one way. It is. When you try and

come up with a game plan of how Nadal can get back into this match,

you really are having to rely on Djokovic's levels dropping because

he's just been clinical in all areas, he's only dropped eight

points on his serve in the whole match. More winners than unforced

errors. Winning five out of six points when he comes to the net. So,

his first serve percentage is at 68%, so Nadal is not getting too

many looks at second serves. The reason the lights stay down is

because for those stations taking this around the world, they slot in

commercial breaks at an allotted amount of time that Tay can rely on.

The players are asked to wait until the lights come back up because that

means that coming out of those breaks, broadcasters are ready. We

don't have to deal with that. Djokovic comfortable at the moment.

That is sporting from Rafael Nadal because he would have seen the

passing shot go down the line here. Then the long arm of the law came

out and that is a magnificent volley.

Just enough spin to take it away from the Spanish forehand side.

A couple of weak second serves from Djokovic, only 81mph in the middle

of the box. At this stage of the match, this is a half chance that

Nadal has to grasp. You just have to salute the work

that Djokovic has done to get to this point, and the simplicity of

his game, it is beautiful to watch. To add pace on a ball like that, to

hit it cleanly past Nadal at 30-30, that is quality.

Too low for that. He had 30-30, but Djokovic winning the next two points

to disappoint Nadal fans once again. Not too many big matches in Nadal's

career where he picks up no break-points.

UMPIRE: Please take a seat, thank you.

Serving to stay in the semifinal. Federer versus Wawrinka is the

second semifinal, the final tomorrow night at 6.00pm.

They met in high school all those years ago, 18 and 17 at the time. A

young family now. Nadal will be disappointed with this

shot, not a great drop shot from Djokovic. Did not do enough with the

approach. The second time he has got the ball

over his head between the legs, simple enough to put away, but no

such thing as an easy game for Nadal, he has absolutely been given

the runaround. I have seen him lobbed from that position. The

winning line is looming and he has been perfection so far. Never know

what is going to happen in the next game and the crowd are going to try

to help Nadal. It is not anti-Djokovic in any way, why would

it be? Might get a little tight, he was

dirty all on his previous game, Djokovic. Tidying up a match against

the previous champion is never that easy.

Advantage, Djokovic. Please turn off the flashlight.

That is a pure performance. Perfect hitting, clinical in all regards, he

has absolutely dominated Rafa Nadal. Fabulous contribution from the

Spaniard to this event again, but this is Djokovic's day. He can sit

back now and enjoyed Federer Wawrinka. Appreciation for Rafa

Nadal indeed. So good to see him winning matches. Three of them here,

a semifinal? He will take that. And be ready at the start of 2016.

Wonderful to see him back. But at the moment, this year, not enough to

deal with Novak Djokovic. But the same could be said for everybody.

Absolutely, it was a brilliant performance from Djokovic and this

match never really hit the heights because Djokovic did not allow it

to. Dominant from start to finish, stamped his authority on those first

three games. Rafa Nadal never even had a break point. Full

straight sets. One hour and 19 minutes. I semifinal that we built

up, it is a great rivalry which now stands at 23 matches all. Djokovic

with one more set for what it is worth. Cat quite see that. Will have

to get my glasses on. Perhaps a Private message, that one. Djokovic

into the final again, just as last year. We were denied the match with

Roger Federer because he played such an amazing semifinal, a gruelling

one against the match with Roger Federer because he played such an

amazing semifinal, a gruelling one against barbering -- against

Wawrinka. Djokovic will wish for a long match

tonight, not much recovery time if it does turn into a late night for

Roger Federer or Stan Wawrinka. Federer last year could not move at

all, could not take to the court so Andy Murray step in and played an

exhibition. Djokovic through, brilliant performance. Well played

Novak, into your fifth final, how close to perfection was that

performance today? It was a great performance no doubt about that,

from the very beginning managed to execute the game plan. I was trying

to be aggressive, trying to dictate the play, obviously that is easier

said than done when you are playing someone who is as great a defender

as Rafa and he was playing some great tennis this week. I pulled out

my best game when it was needed most and I am glad to get to the final.

You have met each other 46 times, you have won four in a row, how have

your matches involved tactically? We have not changed radically our

games. Ever since the match that we played against each other many years

ago, the first match, up to today, our games are based on the baseline,

he plays with more spin. I try to flight it out from the back of the

court and I think we both adjusted to the surfaces depending on where

we play against each other. It is more or less the same as it was back

then. 46 matches after that it feels amazing when we play each other. One

of the biggest challenges I can have in sport. You got through the

challenge lightning time. Have you had a chance to go and buy a

present? I hope I will get him a present on the court here tomorrow.

Speaking of tomorrow, the second semifinal tonight, are you going to

watch it and do you have a preference who you would like to

play? I prefer playing against the Swiss player! CHUCKLES

LAUGHTER They have played a great match last

year in the semifinals, I watched that one, when it went the

distance. They won Davis Cup together, they come from the same

country and know each other very well so it will be nice to watch and

hopefully I can just perform as well as I did today. We look forward to

seeing you in the final. Well done again, Novak Djokovic! STUDIO: He is

back to his best and he is in the final, comfortable victory today

against his great rival Rafa Nadal. Nothing Nadal could do today.

Djokovic is brewed to play either Federer or Wawrinka which you can

hear tonight at 8pm and we will be back tomorrow on BBC Two at 6pm. We

no Djokovic is true, will it be Federer or Wawrinka? The final

tomorrow and next week and another big event looms which means so much

to all the players. In 2004 Rafa won it for the first time. It was so

special. Novak won it in 2010. It gives you a lot of incentive and

motivation. Last year Roger won it. Definitely one of the moments of my

life as a tennis player. And so did stand. For me it was a dream, to

play for your country it is so special. This year can Andy and

company follow suit? That's next week and we cannot wait. The first

time Britain have been in the final since 1978. There is going to be a

special presentation to a young teen we have been talking about, he has a

big future ahead of him. But talking about the future as far as Novak

Djokovic is concerned, looking pretty bright after a bit of a dip

in form early in the week. Yes he put on a real clinic. We were hoping

Rafa could have a bit more influence, impact in the baseline

exchanges. I was looking at the stats and Rafa was serving 70% of

first serves. You are not giving Djokovic too many looks but when

they got into the baseline exchanges Novak was talking about how he was

able to flatten the shots. Able to penetrate the court and put Rafa on

the defensive. When he got opportunities to go down the line he

rarely missed. Another amazing performance to add to an extensive

collection. Rafa said I've not had a great year so I'm not having a

holiday, straight into the gym, and he knows now what he's up against.

Yes he has played more are matches since the US Open than he ever has

before. We will go courtside to be introduced to a man who will surely

be playing in this championship for many years to come.

Today's presentation is for the star of tomorrow presented by emirates.

Please welcome the ATP executive chairman and president who will

present the trophy, joined by an emirates representative. Please give

them a round of applause. Now ladies and gentlemen, the winner

of the star of tomorrow, from Germany, Alexander Zverev. APPLAUSE

Many congratulations, you must be very proud standing here, the

youngest player inside the top 100, can you give us your thoughts

looking back on a great 2015? It's been a great year for me and it's

very exciting for the future. A lot of young guys coming up and I think

we are a very great group and a very stable generation who is looking

forward to playing here in the future. I am just happy the way it

goes right now and where I am in my career. I was going to say, probably

your your first time here, have you got a big extended to make the top

eight at the end of the year? Of course, seeing this stadium and

atmosphere is amazing. It's a great goal for me to be here one day,

playing in the top eight, but there is a long way still ahead of me. I

think if doing what I am doing I might be here sometime soon. Finally

your ambitions for next year? I just try to be the best I can. The is no

goals yet. I just try to be the best player in the future that I can. I

think there is a great generation coming up and it's an exciting

future for all of us. We look forward to seeing you more in the

future, enjoy the moment. Congratulations again. Ladies and

gentlemen star of the future of tomorrow, Alexander Zverev! STUDIO:

What an amazing young man he is, before we start eulogising about

Novak Djokovic, this man has a huge future. Yes, and those in charge of

his game, when you think Kei Nishikori is the youngest by three

years here and he is 26 next month, take your time and make the right

decisions. Build physically and properly and be prepared. It could

be eight or ten years before you have too produced your best. But

he's a good one. So is Nick Krygios if you can get his head screwed on

right. It's a decent generation. If he has been watching today he will

think he has a lot of work to do it to number one, Novak Djokovic head

and shoulders above everyone else. Yes, Djokovic has been through the

process that Alexander Zverev is talking about, is to see the

challenges ahead of him. When you see Djokovic like this, changing

direction, he can maintain the aggression and keep the consistency.

Moving Nadal are around and still has the use of the drop shot. Don't

you find it amazing that Djokovic who had an told riches from a young

age gets to three or four in the world and wants to push on and set

new heights. A lot of the young guys get to a certain point, they have

made their money, they have got the car is under house in Monaco, and

they get satisfied. Djokovic's hunger for it seems undiminished.

This is how Rafa had to play against Djokovic to actually win any points.

In the opening of the match that is when Djokovic set out his stall, he

dominated the first three games and gave Nadal so little chance to get

involved. You can see the athletic ability. Very difficult to put the

ball away against Djokovic. Relentless pressure. He does not

miss the ball. Physically, how do you get through him? Federer can go

through him and we have seen it this week. And Wawrinka can outhit him on

occasion but at the moment rapper doesn't quite have the equipment as

we have seen from recent results. Djokovic can just put his feet up

and watch the other semifinal. Rapper has work to do but is

improving. -- Rafa has. He is moving in the right direction, you feel he

has more belief and self-confidence back in the way he's hitting the

ball, but he has come back against the best player in the world. He

knows the bar and will be time to chase it down. It will be

interesting tonight, a testy semifinal last year between Feder

and Wawrinka. Before we go there is other sport to look forward to on

the BBC. We are going to end the programme

with the sad news we heard earlier, the legend Peter Dimmick has died.

He was the first man to present BBC sports personality of the year and

also the first presenter of grandstand and many other iconic

programmes. Also behind the cameras he masterminded the coverage of the

Queen 's coronation in 1953 and many other landmark events which were TV

firsts. Many people have issued statements including BBC

director-general pony hole who said he is a much admired figure who will

be deeply missed. Good evening and welcome. That seems

to have tied up Wimbledon and Lords. My congratulations again. Then we

come to the fire display. This evening we are going to use the

Univision like to take you to Davos in Switzerland were part of the

European Skating Championships. I could have gone on and on and on on

what is arguably sports greatest night of the year here in London. We

offer a very sincere thank you to all the backroom boys without whose

help we could not have brought our programmes to you during 1957. Thank

you for joining us.