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Djokovic thrashes Goffin, picks row with umpire

Update : 18 Nov 2016, 03:16 PM
Defending champion Novak Djokovic trounced stand-in David Goffin 6-1 6-2 for a clean sweep of his group at the ATP World Tour Finals on Thursday but spiced up a leisurely afternoon workout by picking a row with the umpire. The world number two, who will be joined in the last four by Milos Raonic after the Canadian beat Austrian Dominic Thiem 7-6(5) 6-3, began the week at London's O2 Arena quarrelling with a reporter and despite being relatively untroubled on court, there has been an edginess about the 12-times grand slam champion. It surfaced again against Goffin, who pocketed $179,000 for his 69-minute cameo appearance having stepped in to replace Gael Monfils who withdrew citing a rib injury. While serving at 3-1 the Serb was given a time violation warning by chair umpire Fergus Murphy and let rip at the changeover. "You have no clue about the game," an irate Djokovic told Murphy before turning to continue the debate with tournament director Tom Barnes who was hovering nearby. Djokovic's complaint that Murphy had punished his first transgression rather than offer a quiet word seemed fair enough, although his reaction was out of context in a match that lacked any kind of nervous tension. There was more at stake later, when Raonic, who did not face a single break point, became the first Canadian to reach the last four when he downed Thiem in straight sets.Britain Tennis - Barclays ATP World Tour Finals - O2 Arena, London - 17/11/16 Canada's Milos Raonic in action during his round robin match with Austria's Dominic Thiem Action Images via Reuters / Tony O'Brien Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Canada's Milos Raonic in action during his round robin match with Austria's Dominic Thiem Reuters There were no breaks in the opening set but Raonic stole his opponent's serve in the first game of the second and did not look back, ending the contest on his second match point when Thiem netted a backhand. Belgium world number 11 Goffin had been hanging around all week in case of a withdrawal. He tried his best to make a match of it but looked off the pace from the moment he double-faulted to give Djokovic his first break in the fourth game. It was poor value for the O2 Arena crowd who probably expected something more competitive -- not that Djokovic was too concerned. He was able to conserve energy for what could yet be a Sunday showdown with Andy Murray, the man who ended his 122-week reign as world number one last week. After losing a colossal points lead over the Briton since beating him to win the French Open, Djokovic is now two wins away from grabbing it back. He bridled at suggestions that it would be a surprise if he did achieve that by claiming a fifth successive London title. Djokovic also shed light on his row with Murphy which was drowned out by blaring music in the arena. With wins already against Thiem, Raonic and Goffin, Djokovic has now won 21 of his last 22 matches at the tournament. Who he faces in the semi-finals is still to be decided. Murray is favourite to win the John McEnroe group and so avoid Djokovic but should he lose to Stan Wawrinka on Friday he could finish runner-up. Kei Nishikori is also a possibility.RESULTSGroup Ivan Lendl4-Milos Raonic (Canada) beat 8-Dominic Thiem (Austria) 7-6(5) 6-3 2-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) beat 9-David Goffin (Belgium) 6-1 6-2STANDINGSP W L F A PtsGroup John McEnroe1. Andy Murray 2 2 0 4 1 4 2. Kei Nishikori 2 1 1 3 2 2 3. Stanislas Wawrinka 2 1 1 2 2 2 4. Marin Cilic 2 0 2 0 4 0Group Ivan Lendl1. Novak Djokovic 3 3 0 6 1 6 2. Milos Raonic 3 2 1 4 2 4 3. Dominic Thiem 3 1 2 3 5 2 4. Gael Monfils 2 0 2 1 4 0 5. David Goffin 1 0 1 0 2 0
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