The finals

Serbia's Novak Djokovic continued inched a step closer to a record-equalling sixth crown at the ATP Finals on Wednesday, defeating Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-1 to reach the semifinals of the prestigious season-ender.

Djokovic, who overcame Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece in his opening Red Group match, soaked up Rublev's powerful forehand during the first set, demonstrating great agility to hang in points in the quick indoor conditions to frustrate the sixth seed.