Federer edges towards year-end semis with straight-sets win over Nishikori
Andy Murray keeps hopes alive with laboured win over Milos Raonic
Roger Federer made the most of Kei Nishikori’s erratic play on Tuesday to secure a 6-3, 6-2 victory and move closer to a semi-final spot at the ATP Finals, while Andy Murray posted his first victory to stay in contention at the elite tournament.
Federer, the most successful player at the year-end championship with six wins, would have progressed if Milos Raonic had defeated the home favourite, but the former Wimbledon champion completed a 6-3, 7-5 win over the Canadian newcomer in a dour match that produced very little excitement.
Murray, who had lost his two previous encounters with the big-serving Raonic, ensured some suspense for the last day of matches in his group, with all four players retaining a chance to progress.
It was really important to take advantage of the fact that I was feeling really good, and then maybe he was struggling a little bit today
“It’s a nice match on Thursday to look forward to, it’ll be a great atmosphere again,” said Murray about his final round-robin match against Federer.
“It’s always a pleasure to play against Roger. He’s one of the greatest players that has ever played so to get the opportunity to play him in an atmosphere like this is excellent.”
After losing his first match to Nishikori in straight sets, the Scot said he found inspiration in his coach’s experience to bounce back.
“Amelie was saying one of the times she made the final of the year-end championships, she lost her first match 6-2, 6-2 against (Nadia) Petrova. Obviously it wasn’t feeling great.” said Murray, who hired Amelie Mauresmo after splitting with Ivan Lendl.