ATP Finals: David Goffin stuns Roger Federer to reach final of ATP Finals in London

23:01 · SAT November 18, 2017

by Andy Schooler, at The O2

In a season of surprise storylines, David Goffin saved one of the best until last as he knocked Roger Federer out of the ATP Finals in London.

Having been totally outplayed in the first set, the diminutive Belgian produced a stunning comeback to triumph 2-6 6-3 6-4 and set up a final clash with either Grigor Dimitrov or Jack Sock, who play in the second semi on Saturday night.

"To beat Roger for the first time here in such a big event, big tournament, it was the perfect moment," said the victor.

"It is the best win of my career, for sure."

Goffin, who beat world number one Rafael Nadal at the start of the week only to then win only two games in defeat to Dimitrov two days later, had been given little chance in any quarter coming into the match - having lost all six previous meetings with Federer, even the man himself had admitted "I don't know what to do" when playing the Swiss.

A routine Federer victory - which the bookies had around the 1/10 mark at the outset - looked very much on the cards in the early stages as he raced through the first set in 33 minutes.

Breaking serve in the first and fifth games, Federer even looked to be turning to the showreel shots as he produced a perfectly angled volley and then a slam-dunk smash.

With the forehand firing its trademark winners too, Federer served out the set to love with no hint whatsoever about what was about to unfold.

But Goffin broke at the first opportunity in the second set - a moment Federer later described as "key".

"I think things really turned around for him at that moment," the 36-year-old said. "He started to feel better from the return, from the baseline. He wasn't missing as much any more. He was returning also much better off the second serve after that.

"I just think he raised his game. I couldn't follow any more."

Having noticeably increased the power on his forehand which he appeared to be hitting flatter, Goffin was able to defend his advantage all the way through the set, fending off just a single break-back point.

His level had dipped, certainly the winners were drying up, and the match was soon squared.

Federer's army of fans, who had draped Swiss flags all around the sold-out O2 Arena, must have thought it would be just a temporary blip but with the confidence flowing through Goffin, the momentum could not be stopped.

After holding from 0-30, Goffin broke to lead 2-1, Federer's length again being off.

Roger Federer: Knocked out at the semi-final stage

The alarm bells were ringing but the Swiss seemed powerless to halt the shock which was unfolding.

Even when Goffin stepped up to serve out, he did not show any nerves. Two aces gave him the perfect start and two forehand errors, the second into the net, gave Goffin a memorable victory.

Goffin later revealed he calmed his nerves by watching the big screen above the court prior to serving for the match.

"It was good there was a screen on the changeover," he said. "I was more relaxed so I didn't think about the first point or the game I have to play. I was watching the highlights of the previous game.

"I was a little bit more relaxed. As soon as the chair umpire said, Time, I was ready with the ball. I didn't have time to think about what I have to do."

Wizardry from @David__Goffin... ✨#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/QslFEvx5Lh
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 18, 2017

Meanwhile, it was just a fifth defeat of a remarkable year for Federer, who captured the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles having missed half of the 2016 season due to injury.

He must now regroup and return refreshed for his title defence in Melbourne in two months' time. However, his surprise loss means he now has only a tiny chance of wresting the world number one ranking from Nadal in Australia at the start of 2018.

Federer is currently Sky Bet's 11/4 joint favourite to win the Australian Open, alongside Nadal.