Federer eases into semis at ATP finals

Federer continued his winning streak against Söderling in London Keystone

Roger Federer has qualified for the last four in the ATP World Tour Finals after beating Sweden’s Robin Söderling 7-6, 6-3 on Thursday.

The win secured first place in Group B for the Swiss tennis ace, while Söderling’s fate depends on the result of the match between Andy Murray and David Ferrer.

Federer and Söderling traded breaks once in the first set before the Swiss took control of the tiebreaker by earning a mini-break with a forehand winner after a long rally, and followed it up with two straight aces for a 5-2 lead.

He converted his second set point with a lunging one-handed backhand that sailed past Söderling and into the far corner of the court.

Söderling had two break points in the first game of the second set, but wasted the first when he shanked a forehand.

Federer improved his career record against Söderling to 15-1, with his only loss to the Swede coming in this year’s French Open quarterfinals.

Federer, the world number two, will take on the runners-up of Group A in London on Saturday.

Group A comprises Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych and Andy Roddick.