David Goffin produced a dazzling comeback to beat hot favourite and six-time champion Roger Federer 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday and reach the final of the ATP Finals.
The Swiss World No.2 hit the ball sweetly from the start and the Belgian had no answer to his variety and weight of shot, lacking the weapons to put Federer under sustained pressure.
Federer, who had only lost four matches all year, rocked Goffin back on his heels at the beginning of the match.
He, broke him after multiple opportunities in the first game to establish an early grip.
The Belgian regrouped but Federer threaded a trademark backhand down the line to bring up three more break points in game five and secured the double break.
He was briefly held up by Goffin but sealed the set 6-2 with an ace.
But in a surprising twist, seventh-seed Goffin quickly found himself 3-0 up in the second set after breaking Federer at his first opportunity and suddenly looked rejuvenated.
The 26-year-old Belgian looked far more aggressive and was not willing to allow Federer to dictate play as the Swiss player lost his precision.
