Roger Federer beats David Ferrer in opening game at World Tour Finals
World number two Roger Federer strolled to an easy 6-1, 6-4 straight sets victory over David Ferrer in his opening match at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London on Sunday.
What Federer did not realize perhaps, is that while he played on the court, another immortal sports icon was watching on in the crowd. Argentinean Football legend and coach, Diego Maradona, evidently could not resist putting in an appearance at the World Tour Finals. Earlier, he watched Manchester City defeat Fulham, and then turned up at the O2 Arena to get a glimpse of Federer. While the outcome of the match was no surprise, it is no doubt bragging rights that Maradona seeks; similar to many other spectators, the main reason one goes to watch obvious-victory Federer matches is for the honour of watching the legend play.
Federer was down to business from the start of the game. Just as fans were settling down after giving the Swiss Maestro a rousing reception, he had opened up a sizeable lead over Ferrer. The Spaniard was forced to move from one end of the court to another as a result of Federer’s impeccable volleying. Federer’s superior stroke play quickly wore his opponent down. He claimed the first set in 33 minutes, after racing into a 4-0 lead with a barrage of winners. The seventh-ranked Ferrer tried his best to counter his opponent, but he was no match for the 16-time Grand Slam champion.
Federer began the second set with all guns blazing, but it seemed as if Ferrer might make an unexpected recovery. Despite the score line, Ferrer cannot be accused of a lack of effort. The Spaniard had three break points against Federer at 5-5, before the Maestro took the game with an ace.
Roger Federer is now on the top of Group B with Andy Murray, who defeated Robin Soderling in straight sets. Federer, who was given an even warmer welcome than Andy Murray, by more than 17,500 fans gathered at the O2 Arena, will face Britain’s Number one in his next match on Tuesday. The match against Ferrer seemed little more than a warm-up compared to what fans are anticipating against Murray.
Andy Murray seems to have worked his way inside Federer’s game with great success, beating the Swiss ace in his last two matches against him. The three-set format appears to work greatly in Murray’s favour. However, when asked if his previous victories, especially in Shanghai would benefit him in the match, Murray appeared relaxed saying, “It’s a new day. I played great today; I could play horrible on Tuesday.”
It would be a bad idea for Murray to remain nonchalant for much longer, especially since Federer will be out to avenge his previous losses to the Brit. Both players have a great deal to win and lose by winning the Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals. Federer is chasing a record- equaling fifth title, while Murray is trying to prove himself a serious player and a formidable contender for next year’s Grand Slams.
In addition to this, it would give Murray a real boost if he could manage to beat Federer and eventually win the tournament, by beating the world’s best players in front of his home fans. Whatever the outcome, Tuesday’s match will be one to watch out for.
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