Federer sets year-end pace with perfect 3-0 record

By Bill Scott Nov 24, 2011, 18:23 GMT

London - Roger Federer beat Mardy Fish for the seventh time in eight meetings, sending the American home without a group win while assuring himself of his semi-final spot at the ATP World Tour Finals 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 on Thursday.

The Swiss number four had already won Group B through his second victory on Tuesday. The stern test against Fish was more polish on a season which has flourished in recent weeks.

'I definitely struggled a little bit more today, but I thought that was more due to the circumstances,' said Federer. 'Mardy actually playing well for most of the match.

'I'm happy I was able to win today just because of momentum for the semis in a couple of days. I hope to make it a nice weekend, it's wonderful to have won all three matches in the group.'

Rafael Nadal and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, both Federer Group B victims this week, were to play later, with the winner joining the Swiss in the final four.

Federer has won the World Tour year-ender five times, including in London in 2010.

'I'm surprised how well it's gone always at the World Tour Finals level for me because these are maybe almost the toughest and most dangerous matches to play during the year,' said the winner.

'It's best of three, against fellow top 10 players indoors where a few shots usually do decide the outcome of the match,' he continued.

Fish leaves with a 0-3 mark after starting with a groin injury. The 29-year-old gave Federer a minor fright by winning the second set before the 16-time Grand Slam winner regained total control.

'I feel like I competed well, I don't think I necessarily played particularly well,' said the American. 'I come in with a couple more matches, maybe a little more fit and healthy ... who knows, maybe I win a match or two, maybe I don't.

'I lost to a guy today who was playing very well. But it was a close match.' Federer went through in an hour and three-quarters with 28 winners and four breaks of Fish, who out-aced the Swiss 10 to seven.

Federer set another minor record with his 37th career match win at the year-end tournament, putting him one ahead of Boris Becker. Ivan Lendl is the all-time leader with 39.

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