Federer beats Nishikori, tops Stan Smith group en-route to semis in London

WORLD NO.3 Roger Federer dug deep to beat the challenge of Japanese, Kei Nishikori 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 and maintained his fine record at this year's ATP World Tour Finals. Federer who had already booked his place in the semis topped his group and now awaits the winner of the match between Andy Murray and Stan Wawrinka. 

In a riveting Stan Smith clash, Federer and Nishikori put on an incredible show for the fans at the O2 arena in London. The quality of shot and the grueling rallies were from the top draw. 

An elated Federer on atpworldtour said, 

“I enjoyed the match. It wasn't easy, but somehow I got it done. I look forward to playing him hopefully more often in the future."

"It's amazing what (Kei's) able to produce on the court. Today was another showcase of that, how he's able to return second serves, staying on top of the baseline, drilling forehands and backhands up the line. It was impressive."

Meanwhile, a disappointed Nishikori reflected on a few lost opportunities.  

"I thought I was playing very good. I was making lot of returns. Second serve, I think I was attacking really well. I think that's why I able to break that much. But I didn't start each set well. I think every time he broke first and I was kind of defensive all the time. That was my big mistake today."