Andy Murray kept alive his bid to reach the semi-finals of the ATP Tour Finals with a crucial 6-3 7-5 victory over Milos Raonic.

Murray knew he would have been eliminated from the prestigious season-ending event at London’s O2 Arena if he lost to Canada’s Raonic, but the world No.6 produced a strong performance to secure his first Group B win and remain in the hunt for a last four berth.

The former Wimbledon champion now has to beat six-time winner Roger Federer in his final group match on Thursday to qualify, while Raonic, having lost both matches, is almost certain to be knocked out.

“Today I came up with some good shots in the right moments. Milos didn’t serve as well as he can and that helped,” Murray said.

“It’s a nice match against Roger to look forward to. It’ll be a great atmosphere again.”

Earlier, Federer dispatched Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-3 6-2.

Federer, who last won the Tour Finals in 2011, didn’t need to be at his very best against Nishikori, who made 30 unforced errors in a sloppy effort that left him with one win from two matches, damaging his hopes of making the last four ahead of his final group fixture against Raonic.

“I’ve know Kei since he was 17-years-old and always thought he was a great talent. He’s going to have a great future so I’m very pleased with the way I played,” Federer said.

“I’m looking forward to playing Andy. We’ve played some of the greatest matches.”