ATP World Tour No. 3 Novak Djokovic ended Robin Soderling’s chances of qualifying for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals after defeating the Swede 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 Friday in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Masters, an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tennis tournament in Paris (Bercy).

Roland Garros finalist Soderling needed to at least reach the final in Paris (Bercy) this week to have a chance of qualifying for the season finale, to be held at The O2 in London later this month. The Swede has 3010 points, 290 points behind Fernando Verdasco, who qualified in eighth position. 

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The 22-year-old Djokovic was made to work hard for his place in the semi-finals, following an error-strewn performance from both men. The Serbian squandered an early service-break lead in the first set as Soderling levelled at 4-4. Djokovic immediately regained his advantage, though, winning the final two games of the set.

However, Djokovic was not able to build on his momentum and looked out of sorts as Soderling broke serve twice in the second and sixth games to level the match. As the Serbian looked increasingly frustrated with himself, Soderling was able to rein in his errors to push the match to a deciding set.

In a tense third set, Djokovic took advantage of the nerves that crept into Soderling’s game and was able to break the Swede’s serve in the eighth game to lead 5-3. The Belgrade native then served out victory after one hour and 57 minutes. “It was a real struggle,” admitted Djokovic immediately afterwards. “In the second set I wasn’t moving very well; I was fighting myself, letting him play and control the match. I managed to focus when I needed to and hold the nerves and I’m happy to be in the semi-finals.”

Djokovic, who will defend his title at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in two weeks time, is through to his 15th tour-level semi-final of the season. The right-hander leads the ATP World Tour with nine final appearances, including his fourth title at the Davidoff Swiss Indoors Basel (d. Federer) last week, and 74 tour-level match wins.

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"If I could maybe think of something I could have done this year better, that would be bigger tournaments and couple of titles there in [ATP World Tour Masters] 1000 events that I had a chance for that. And maybe Grand Slams that I haven't done the best job there.

"But I had a very consistent season. In all the smaller tournaments, I have been winning and reaching the late stages. So I gained the momentum in last two months. I picked up the great form, and that's what is very important for me prior to the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London, where I will have to play in order to defend the title."