Six-time champion, Roger Federer, continued his purple patch this year as he closed on to a semifinal spot at the ongoing ATP World Tour Finals at London by making short work of Japan’s Kei Nishikori 6-3, 6-2 at the O2 Arena on Tuesday.

The Swiss dominated the match throughout, serving 7 aces and winning 79 per cent of his first-serve points, besides converting 3 off 7 break-point opportunities.

“I was expecting a very difficult match,” Federer was quoted as saying by BBC Sport. “I’ve known him (Nishikori) since he was 17 years old and always thought he was a great talent and he’s going to have a great future.

“I’m very pleased with the way I played,” the Swiss added, assessing his performance.

Earlier, Federer had recorded a straight-sets victory over Canadian Milos Raonic in the tournament, and is scheduled to play Andy Murray in his third and final round-robin match up.

Federer would earn his place in the last-four stage with a win over Murray. Besides, the Swiss could even qualify if Raonic beats Murray or if the latter pulls off a three-set conquest of the former.

(Image: telegraph.co.uk)