After the primary 9 video games went with serve, Djokovic switched on the afterburners to outclass Rublev.

Rublev, who like Djokovic had received his opening match on the year-ender, capitulated when serving to remain within the opener, dropping the set as Djokovic thumped a backhand return winner.

The second set was a non-event as five-time champion Djokovic roared to victory in little greater than an hour.

Picture good, from begin to end from @DjokerNole! 🔥#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/Jl63yjTabJ

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 16, 2022

Later within the Red Group, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev takes on Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.

“I played one of my best matches of the year,” Djokovic, who was watched for the primary time by each his youngsters Stefan and Tara,” mentioned on court docket. “I discovered the correct perspective and the correct recreation and as soon as I received the primary set his power went down.

“In the second set I just wanted to use that momentum and it was a flawless second set.”

Despite being assured a spot within the weekend’s semi-finals when Djokovic will hope to equal Roger Federer’s title report on the ATP’s season-ender, the 35-year-old Serb mentioned he is not going to be stress-free towards Medvedev on Friday.

“It won’t just be a stroll in the park,” he mentioned. “Knowing I’m in the semis it’s a great boost but at the same time I want to focus on every match.”

If 21-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic wins the title this week he would be the oldest participant ever to take action.