Tennis: Top-seed Djokovic out of Paris Masters

Federe­r on course for first appear­ance in tourna­ment’s final.

PARIS: Top-seed Novak Djokovic pulled out of the ATP Paris Masters, in which he was due to play Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the quarter-finals, because of a shoulder injury.

The Serb world number one said his shoulder had worsened after his 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over compatriot Viktor Troicki on Thursday.

“Sadly I have to inform you that I have withdrawn from the further tournament,” Djokovic announced on his official website. “I have pushed myself to the limit by playing, and after the match yesterday my shoulder got worse.

“For this reason, I have to put my health first and withdraw even though my urges as a professional player are making me want to play until the last drop of energy.”

With players for the eight-man World Tour Finals in London due in on Thursday, the timetable gives Djokovic at least six treatment days.

Federer brushes aside Gasquet

Earlier, Roger Federer closed on a first Paris Masters final when he beat Richard Gasquet to reach the quarter-finals.

Federer, the third seed, broke the home favourite in the opening service game of their evening match and secured another break when Gasquet double-faulted at 2-4 down, before clinching the set with a sublime volley.

After an early exchange of breaks in the second set, Federer broke again and went on to complete a 6-2, 6-4 victory with an inside-out forehand winner. “I feel very good,” said Federer. “The draws are really difficult here and it’s not so simple to cruise to a final. I hope I can make it this year.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 12^th,  2011.