ATP World Tour Finals: Roger Federer, Kei Nishikori qualify for semifinals from Group B

Roger Federer attempts a backhand return during his win over Andy Murray

London, Nov 14 (IANS)

Swiss veteran Roger Federer crushed Andy Murray 6-0, 6-1 to qualify for the semi-finals from Group B at the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 Arena here. The 17-time Grand Slam champion Federer, who qualified with a perfect 3-0 round-robin record, was joined by Japanese debutant Kei Nishikori, who fought back from one set down to beat David Ferrer of Spain 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 Thursday.

Federer, six-time champion of the season-ending tournament, demolished fifth seed Murray in 56 minutes to complete Group B play. It was the 250th indoor match win of his career.

"It wasn't what I was looking for when I went on the court. Everything he tried tonight came off. He has the ability to do that," said Murray.

"I now have seven weeks before the next tournament. I have time to work on some stuff."

It was the joint worst tour-level loss of Murray's career. The Scot lost to Novak Djokovic 6-1, 6-0 in the 2007 Miami Open.

"I had the upper hand from the baseline, which hasn't always happened against him," said Federer.

"But I definitely was able to play on my terms. For me, things went very well. I was able to put Andy under pressure very often, and I think the match couldn't have gone any better for me really."

Nishikori, the fourth seed, recorded his 55th match win of a career-best season against Ferrer, who was a replacement for the injured Milos Raonic.

"It's never easy playing against David because he's very consistent from the baseline. If I want to win, I have to do something to break his tennis. From the second set, I was more aggressive. The final set was almost perfect," said Nishikori.

"Kei has improved his game a lot. He's a very great player. He has a very good future. I think he will be in the top 10 for a lot of years."

Ferrer is competing at the season finale for the sixth time. He finishes his year with a 54-24 match record.