Federer routs Nadal 6-3, 6-0 at ATP finals
Federer took exactly 1 hour to complete a 6-3, 6-0 victory Tuesday, qualifying for the semifinals of the ATP World Tour Finals with his most comprehensive victory over the Spaniard.
Pinned behind the baseline, Nadal found Federer’s forehand unplayable. From 2-2 in the first set, Federer won 10 of the next 11 games. He finished with 28 winners to Nadal’s four.
“It was a great match for me basically from start to finish,” said Federer, who broke down in tears after losing to Nadal in the 2009 Australian Open final, but had no issues Tuesday at the O2 Arena. “I was able to do what I was hoping to do: dominate from the baseline, play close to the baseline, serve well, take his time away.”
Earlier, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga kept alive his hopes of reaching the last four by beating Mardy Fish of the United States 7-6 (4), 6-1. Federer’s win means Fish cannot advance.
The winner of Thursday’s match between Tsonga and Nadal will claim the other semifinal berth from Group B.
“It’s not the moment to say goodbye,” Nadal said. “It’s the moment to keep fighting. I’m still in the tournament.”