TENNIS in DEPTH.

Rafael Nadal put himself in pole position to qualify for the knockout stage of ATP World Tour Finals with a victory over Novak Djokovic that was aided by the Serb suffering from an eye problem. The world number one prevailed 7-5 6-2 in one hour 51 minutes to go top of Group A on two wins, while Djokovic is level with Tomas Berdych on one win after he beat Andy Roddick in the afternoon match. Nadal broke serve in game five of the first set but Djokovic hit straight back before requiring treatment for a complaint related to his right contact lens. The world number three looked far from comfortable as Nadal broke again for 6-5, served out the opener, and then struck two decisive blows at the start of the second set to help him ease home. “It was a very good match for me,” the Spaniard said. “I’m very sorry for Novak. I wish him all the best for his eyes. This was my best match in London. The first 10 games were very level but I’m just very happy with the two victories.”

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