Federer lays down marker in London

Roger Federer became the first singles player to book his semi-final spot at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals with a 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 victory over Robin Soderling at the O2 Arena in London this afternoon.

The result was also good news for British number one Andy Murray, who now knows he needs only to win a set in this evening’s clash with David Ferrer to make the last four on home soil at the end-of-season showpiece for the first time.