LONDON (REUTERS) - Roger Federer allowed Andy Murray only eight points in a 6-0 first set in their ATP World Tour Finals clash on Thursday, securing top place in Group B in the process and putting Murray out of the tournament.
Kei Nishikori's earlier three-set win over alternate David Ferrer ensured Federer would reach the semi-finals even before taking to court against Murray, while Murray knew only a straight sets win would be enough for him.
Federer ended any confusion in emphatic style, handing out a fearful first-set beating to the man who he lost to in the Olympic singles final at Wimbledon in 2012.
Cracking winners at will against a demoralised Murray, the 33-year-old Swiss maestro silenced the O2 crowd with a formidable onslaught.