Federer belts Murray, into ATP semis

Roger Federer sent Andy Murray crashing out of the ATP Tour Finals in humiliating fashion with 6-0 6-1 victory on Thursday that ensured Japan’s Kei Nishikori would qualify for the semi-finals.

Nishikori’s 4-6 6-4 6-1 win over substitute David Ferrer earlier left Murray with the daunting task of having to beat Federer in straight sets to go through from Group B.

But Murray was routed in only 56 minutes in a defeat which equalled his worst result – a 6-1 6-0 loss against Novak Djokovic in Miami in 2007.

Federer equalled Ivan Lendl’s record of 12 semi-final appearances at the ATP Finals.

The Swiss, bidding for his seventh Tour Finals title, finished top of the group after winning all three of his matches, and he will be joined in the last four by Nishikori on his maiden appearance in the prestigious season-ending event at London’s O2 Arena.

Spain’s Ferrer, who replaced the injured Milos Raonic at the last minute, took advantage of Nishikori’s 18 unforced errors in the first set.

Nishikori broke at the start of the second set before holding comfortably to even the score at one set apiece.

The fourth-seeded Japanese player left the court briefly but won four consecutive games on his return.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!