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Switzerland's Roger Federer returns the ball to Britain's Andy Murray in their singles match at...
Roger Federer left home favourite Andy Murray reeling at the ATP World Tour Finals on Tuesday with a 6-4 6-2 round robin victory that means the Swiss will almost certainly qualify for the semis.The 29-year-old Federer, bidding for a record-equalling fifth title at the year-ending showpiece had often struggled against Murray in their 13 previous encounters but he cruised to victory in a packed O2 Arena with a minimum of fuss.
The writing was on the wall for Murray when he had to save break points in the opening game but Federer broke to love on the Scot's second service game -- an advantage he never looked like relinquishing.
His usually trusty groundstrokes lacking bite and accuracy, Murray managed only three points on the world number two's serve as the opening set slipped by in 36 minutes.
The crowd hoped for a response from Murray but they were to be disappointed as the 23-year-old unravelled before their eyes and he quickly went 4-0 down in the second set.
Federer clinched one of his most straightforward victories over Murray after 76 disappointing minutes when another forehand from his dispirited opponent nose-dived into the net.
(Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Pritha Sarkar; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)
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