ATP World Tour Finals Day 4: Roger Federer eases past Kei Nishikori; Andy Murray beats Milos Raonic
Federer was too good for Nishikori
Day 3 of the ATP tour finals once again witnessed two straight sets victories with Roger Federer outclassing Kei Nishikori and Andy Murray winning against Milos Raonic.
The 33-year-old Swiss beat the US open finalist Nishikori 6-3, 6-2 and with Andy Murray winning the second game of the evening against Raonic. The 17-time Grand Slam Champion has almost sealed a spot in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Asked to comment on his win, the six-time ATP tour finals winner said that Nishikori’s strength lies near the baseline, but his shots just didn’t come off on the night.
"He's shown in the past when he gets the upper hand against any player from the baseline, he's very difficult to beat. Today for some reason he couldn't get it done. Maybe I was playing too well on defence and offence, mixing up my serve good enough”. Federer said.
"But I know that Kei can play better. So for me it was really important to take advantage of the fact that I was feeling really good, and then maybe he was struggling a little bit today," he added.The 24-year-old Japanese though is still in contention for a place in the final four, despite the loss.
Murray registers much-needed win
In the second match of the evening, Andy Murray registered his first win of the tournament after defeating Raonic 6-3 7-5. The 27-year-old Scot came into the match, desperate for a win after losing to Kei Nishikori on Day one.His next and final round-robin encounter is against Roger Federer on Thursday.
“I obviously played better tonight. I hit the ball a lot cleaner than I did on Sunday from the beginning of the match. So that was pleasing.” Murray said after the win.
Talking about his clash versus Federer, the 2012 Olympics Gold medalist said that the two have had some great contests in the past and he is looking forward to the match.
“It will be obviously a very difficult match. But it will be an exciting match. A good one to be part of. I hope I can play well. We've had some very good matches over the years. I hope on Thursday it will be the same.” he added.
Today’s matches
1.Tomas Berdych vs Marin Cilic 7:30 P.M IST
2.Novak Djokovic vs Stanislas Wawrinka 1:30 A.M IST