FEDERER ROARS INTO SEMI-FINALS
A virtuoso performance from Roger Federer saw him progress to the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals after a 6-3 6-0 win over great rival Rafael Nadal.
The reigning champion controlled the first set before raising his game further in the second to breeze past Nadal in startling fashion at the O2 Arena in London.
The victory, which included an array of brilliant winners, means world number four Federer cannot fall out of the top two places in Group B.
Second seed Nadal, meanwhile, can still progress to the last four if he wins his final match of the round-robin stage against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
"It's a very surprising result, I guess we can't always live up to our expectations and I've definitely seen Rafa play better, but I've also definitely played worse," Federer told Sky Sports after the match.
"I'm happy it went so well and I wish Rafa all the best for the rest of the group. For me it (the tournament) continues which is fantastic. I'm very excited about the way I played tonight."
He added: "Every day is different, it's a challenge to come out and play your best every day but today was one of those days, so I'm very pleased."
Tsonga, meanwhile, reignited his hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals with a 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 win over Mardy Fish.
The battle of the two players without a point in Group B went the way of the Frenchman after one hour and 30 minutes on court at London's O2 Arena.
The sixth seed eventually came out on top in a tight opening set, one that started off with three successive breaks of serve, in a tie-break.
The second proved to be much more one-sided, though, with Fish failing to find the same form that had seen him push Nadal all the way in his opening match at the season-ending tournament.
Tsonga eased to a double break before serving out for the match, though he then promised the crowd he would perform even better in his final round-robin game, against Federer, on Thursday.
"Today was the opportunity to win here for the first time, so I'm really happy," he said afterwards.
"I just played really good tennis. Maybe I will have the chance to qualify for the semis. I will play the next round without pressure.
"I promise you, I will play better in the next round." - http://www.sportinglife.com
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