Roger Federer equalled two more records and Andy Murray equalled his worst loss, all as the Scot was sent crashing out of the ATP Tour Finals on Thursday in humiliating fashion.
Federer beat Murray 6-0 6-1, ensuring Japan’s Kei Nishikori would also qualify for the semi-finals in his first appearance in the season-ending event at London’s 02 Arena.
Nishikori’s 4-6 6-4 6-1 win over substitute David Ferrer meant Murray had to beat Federer in straight sets to go through from Group B.
But Murray was routed in 56 minutes in a defeat which matched his 2007 loss to Novak Djokovic by the same scoreline in Miami.
Federer, bidding for his seventh Tour Finals title, topped his group after winning all three matches.
“Clearly I’m very happy to play a good match today. I knew I was qualified so maybe I went in a bit more relaxed.
“It’s not the way I thought it was going to go but there’s always next year for Andy.”
In 2014, Murray surrendered his Wimbledon title, briefly dropped out of the top 10 for the first time in six years and failed to win a tournament until near season-end.
He was punished brutally by Federer, who became the ninth player to reach 250 career indoor wins.
“I’ve lost slam finals, which have been very tough. But in terms of the way the match went, it was not ideal from my side of the court – far from it,” Murray said.
“I can say I’m disappointed with my level. But if I played well, he probably still would have won anyway.”
Murray had won 11 of their 22 previous meetings, but the Swiss had taken both their matches this year.
Federer was already through to the Tour semis for the 12th time, equalling Ivan Lendl’s record for last-four appearances.
Federer quickly seized the initiative with a break in the second game. Murray knew he was out if he dropped the set, but he was powerless to prevent Federer pushing him towards the exit as the Swiss, dominating the baseline, broke again in the fourth game.
Within 24 chastening minutes, the set – and Murray’s tournament – was over.
Federer broke again to make it nine games in a row in only 37 minutes.
Shell-shocked Murray eventually stopped the rot after losing 11 successive games, but Federer closed out the win moments later.
Earlier, Nishikori discovered just before his match that he would face Spaniard Ferrer instead of his scheduled opponent Milos Raonic after the Canadian pulled out with a torn quad.
But the unfazed Japanese recovered from a set down to secure his second group win in just under two hours.
“It was really difficult to make this adjustment (to face Ferrer). They told me one hour before the match.
“It was tough to change tactics but I’d prepared well and I’m happy to win.”
