Roger Federer eased his way into the ATP World Tour Finals with a 6-1 7-6 (0) defeat of Canadian newcomer Milos Raonic in his opening round-robin match on Sunday.
The 33-year-old Swiss, competing for a record 13th time at the season-ender, took advantage of some early Raonic nerves to pocket the opening set in 25 minutes but things got tougher.
Raonic, the first Canadian to qualify for the tournament, began to do damage with his booming serve and even carved out several break point opportunities as world number two Federer’s level dipped slightly.
Six-times champion Federer saved a set point at 5-6 and that proved to be Raonic’s last chance.
Federer quickly asserted himself in the tiebreak and reeled off seven successive points to move top of Group B alongside Japan’s Kei Nishikori.
Nishikori made a stunning start to the ATP World Tour Finals with a 6-4 6-4 win over Andy Murray earlier on Sunday.
Asian trailblazer Nishikori walked on court accompanied by the usual O2 Arena music and lights before dismantling home favourite Murray with some dazzling special effects of his own.
Federer and Nishikori will now meet in Group B on Tuesday when Murray and Raonic will be battling to keep themselves afloat in the round-robin event.
