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Tired Roddick no match for Djokovic

Novak Djokovic completed the semi-final line-up at the ATP World Tour Finals on Friday with a straightforward 6-2 6-3 victory over American Andy Roddick.

The Serb walked on court for his Group A decider wearing a comedy pirate’s eye patch after the vision problems he suffered against Rafa Nadal on Wednesday but when the serious business began he overpowered a listless opponent in 65 minutes.

Djokovic will play Roger Federer on Saturday after world number one Nadal takes on home favourite Andy Murray.

Roddick needed a straight sets victory to have any chance of reaching the semis after losing his opening two matches but after squandering a break point in the opening game he never looked in the mood to achieve that.

After scurrying off court the 28-year-old Roddick said he was looking forward to a rest and getting himself in shape for next year after a season plagued by injury and illness.

“I am looking forward to resting for 10 days and then trying to get in shape,” he told reporters. “It’s been a tough battle between trying to get healthy and finding the right balance between working and not getting hurt.

“It’s been a tough balance and it’s probably come at about the right time.”

Djokovic, who effectively needed just one set to reach the semi-finals, had only one moment of alarm when he had to save a break point in the opening game.

After two errors from Roddick handed Djokovic a break in the fourth game it was one-way traffic and the world number three still has plenty to look forward to this year starting with Federer on Saturday and next week’s Davis Cup final.

“It’s definitely important to me to win every match here,” he said. “That’s what I have showed on the court. So I’m still in the tournament, and I really want to go all the way.

“Then, you know, I’ll think about Davis Cup.