Federer Outclasses Murray To Stand On Verge Of Semi-final Qualification

© AFP/Getty ImagesRoger Federer now has a 31-7 record at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

Four-time former champion Roger Federer outclassed Andy Murray at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals on Tuesday to stand on the verge of qualifying for the semi-finals from Group B.

The Swiss superstar dropped just eight points on serve against an under-par Murray for a 6-4, 6-2 win in 76 minutes. Murray committed 26 unforced errors and was constantly rushed into error with Federer winning 14 of 17 points at the net. It was the pair's 14th meeting (Murray 8-6).

“I don't think he played his best match,” said Federer. “He came out and made some mistakes. Maybe it was due to my good play. From my side, I was obviously very happy. It was a good match. I played tough and solid from start to finish.”

Federer will now wait to see if Spaniard David Ferrer beats indoor specialist Robin Soderling of Sweden in the evening session to qualify for the semi-finals from the round-robin group.

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“I think on a level, I saved energy so far,” admitted Federer, who beat David Ferrer on Sunday. “It's been good. I've had the days off in between [and] only having to play two sets, it's nice at the end of the season.

“I hope, if I make it to the semis, then I'm fresh and really ready to go. Because last year I played four matches and they all went the distance. I'm excited to play Soderling. I have a great record against him. I hope I can play the same level like I did the last two.”

Right from the start Murray was not at his fluent best, with Federer creating one break point opportunity in the opening game with a backhand pass. Momentarily the 23-year-old Scot kept Federer at bay, but he was broken to love in his second service game.

Federer, who has lost just four of his past 36 matches since Wimbledon, capitalised on Murray’s struggle for rhythm on his serves and backhand, and appeared to be running away with the set in front of a near-capacity 17,500 spectators at The O2.

Murray’s big chance to break back came in the ninth game of the 36-minute first set, when he had Federer serving at 0/30 after the World No. 2 hit a forehand long and was passed by Murray at the net.

Federer regained control with an overhead put-away, a forehand winner and running forehand volley. His first set point opportunity came when Murray drilled a forehand wide. Murray ended the first set having committed 13 unforced errors.

The 29-year-old Federer made a blistering start to the second set when he hit a stunning forehand winner on his third break point opportunity in the first game. He confirmed the break with a love service hold to keep Murray on the back foot.

The crowd expected a response from Murray, but they were to be disappointed.

Murray squandered a 30/0 lead at 0-2, with Federer winning four straight points to put himself firmly on course for victory. Two games later, Murray fell to 15/40 at 0-4 but it was too little too late.

Federer improved to a 31-7 tournament record, when Murray hit a forehand into the net on match point.

“I returned poorly [and] served poorly,” said Murray, who beat Soderling in his opening group match on Sunday. “Against (Roger), that's not going to win you the match.

“I felt okay from the back of the court, not unbelievable, but there were quite a few good rallies.  I probably served about 30 per cent of first serves in, [so] you're not going to beat one of the top players serving like that.

“I just tried to stay calm, tried to find a way and it didn't happen today. But I didn't feel flat on the court at all.”

Diego Maradona, the legendary footballer from Argentina, was a spectator in Federer’s box. British model and actress Kelly Brook also attended the afternoon session match.