LONDON, Nov 24: World number one Novak Djokovic was beaten for only the fifth time this year as Spain’s David Ferrer booked his place in the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals with a 6-3, 6-1 victory on Wednesday.

Djokovic had won 70 of his previous 74 matches during a majestic campaign, but the Serb was completely out-played by fifth seed Ferrer, who joins Roger Federer in the last four at London’s O2 Arena.

Although Djokovic has enjoyed one of the greatest single seasons in tennis history after winning three Grand Slam titles and five Masters crowns, he has been flagging in recent weeks.

The 24-year-old has been hampered by back and shoulder injuries since winning the US Open and was forced to withdraw from the Paris Masters.

On the evidence of this lacklustre effort, the Tour Finals might be a tournament too far for Djokovic, although he can still qualify for the semi-finals with a win over compatriot Janko Tipsarevic on Friday.

Both players walked on court knowing they could seal their place in the last four with a victory, although Ferrer needed to work slightly harder than his opponent as only a straight-sets triumph would be enough, while Djokovic could afford to win by any margin and still go through.

However, Djokovic was below his best against Tomas Berdych in his opening Group A match on Monday and Ferrer was able to take advantage of another tired display.

Results:Singles:Group ‘A’: Tomas Berdych (CZE x7) bt Janko Tipsarevic (SRB x9) 2-6, 6-3, 7-6 (8/6); David Ferrer (ESP x5) bt Novak Djokovic (SRB x1) 6-3, 6-1.

Doubles:Group ‘A’: Mahesh Bhupathi/ Leander Paes (IND/IND x4) bt Jurgen Melzer/Philipp Petzschner (AUT/GER x7) 7-5, 6-3; Bob Bryan/Mike Bryan (USA/USA x1) bt Robert Lindstedt/Horia Tecau (SWE/ROM x6) 6-1, 6-2.—AFP