Roger Federer and Andy Murray turned in no-nonsense straight set performances to seal the Group B semifinal spots at the year-end ATP World Tour Finals.
Federer put on another devastating display to run his group record to a perfect 3-0 as he hammered Swede Robin Soderling for the 15th time in 16 matches, winning his way into the weekend by 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.
The notoriously patchy Murray found his own form to roll over David Ferrer 6-2, 6-2 and finish second behind Federer in the group.
“It was a good match tonight. I played well, returned well,” said Murray. “To win against someone as tough as David with that score line, must have played well.
“I’ve won two matches while against very good players. I’m glad I got through to the semis.” The Group A standings will be decided on Friday, with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic heading the short-list of semifinal candidates.
Federer put on another masterclass as he hammered Soderling in just under 90 minutes. Federer had 23 winners to the 26 of Soderling, who also out-aced Federer 12-11 in the meeting.
“I just wanted to come out and try to play as good a match as I can. Losing is never a solution to trying to win a tournament,” said the 16-time Grand Slam champion.
“I’m playing real well. I’m through to the semis. So it’s all real good right now.” Federer moved through the group stage 6-0 on sets from his three wins, running his record this season to 63-13.
“Finishing the season great in London would (mean) the circle is sort of closed,” he said. “I’m still two matches away, two really tough matches.”
Soderling admitted it was more of the same from the mighty Federer: “I think against a player like Roger, you know, you need to have a little bit of luck to win. And I definitely didn’t have the luck on my side today.”
