WTFwatch: Fed anticipates strong Murray showing

Roger Federer

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World No. 1 Roger Federer believes the form book can be tossed aside when the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals comes to London on Sunday.

Though bookies favourite Novak Djokovic is tipped to clinch his third tournament title in November with a winning run at the O2, Federer has singled out Andy Murray as the main threat to his challenge for a fifth victory in the year ending showpiece.

With the promise of $1,630,000 dollars on offer to an undefeated champion, it is Murray’s presence in Group A that is most on the mind of Federer ahead of his quest for the richest prize in tennis.

“I hope I have to beat Andy twice next week because that would mean we’re both in the final and everybody will be happy,” said the Swiss.

“I’m looking forward to playing Andy here – we’ve had some good battles in the past and it’s even more special to be playing him here in London.

Overcoming a four match-losing streak against the 22-year-old Scot with a straight sets victory at the Cincinnati Masters in August, Federer perhaps holds a slight psychological advantage ahead of their impending Group A tie. But with six wins from nine career meetings with Federer, Murray has an enviable career record against the 15-time Grand Slam winner.

Before turning his attentions to Murray and the mouth-watering match that 18,000 fans inside the 02 crave, Federer has a tricky tie with Fernando Verdasco to negotiate.

“Neither of us can afford to look too far ahead,” he said.

“I’ve got to make sure I get off to a good start against Verdasco and Murray’s got a tough start against Del Potro, which is a difficult match to have first up.

“I’m sure the future is bright for Andy, especially next year, but I’m here to play well, to try to win the tournament and to finish the year as No.1 in the world if I can.”