Djokovic into semis despite 'completely ridiculous' call

World No.2 has played down a mid-match blow-up and is looking forward to his semi-final at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates winning match point against David Goffin of Belgium during their ATP World Tour Finals singles tennis match at the O2 Arena in London. Picture: Kirsty Wigglesworth

TENNIS: Novak Djokovic has played down a mid-match blow-up and is looking forward to his semi-final on Saturday night (AEST) at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The Serb received a time violation during his 6-1 6-2 win over David Goffin, calling it "completely ridiculous” and "really not fair”.

But, after topping his group, the four-time defending champion now awaits the second-place finisher from other side of the draw, either Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka or Kei Nishikori, depending on Friday night's results.

"I'm very glad that my game is going in the right direction. Today I felt the most comfortable, definitely, so far in the tournament. I'm looking forward to the semi-finals on Saturday,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic, who is aiming to win back the No.1 ranking he held for 122 weeks but lost to Murray, denied the pressure was mounting.

"There's no stress at all,” he said. "We come here to play and enjoy. This is one of the best tournaments in the world so I am just having fun on the court.

"I've been playing better and better as I proceed in the tournament. I have now a day of rest. I'm looking forward really. It's the last couple matches of the year hopefully. One thing is for sure: I'm going to give it my all on the court and see what happens.”

Earlier, chair umpire Fergus Murphy had deemed the world No.2 had taken too long between points during the fifth game of the first set against Goffin.

"It's really not fair I get a call violation for going a few seconds over the time. I understand there is a rule but there is also an understanding of the game,” he said immediately after the match.

"It was a long point, it was the fifth game of the match, it was the first time I went over the allowed time, and he gives me a warning. He doesn't recognise the situation and the circumstances we were in, because if he did he would tell me to hurry up a bit. I don't understand why he did it.

"There should be fairness to this rule. If you go over for the first time you have plenty of time to tell me. If you give me a warning after that I won't say a word, but not the first time I go over. I think it's completely ridiculous.”