Roger Federer vs. Kei Nishikori: Winner, Score from 2014 ATP World Tour Finals

Roger Federer made quick work of Kei Nishikori with a 6-3, 6-2 victory at the ATP World Tour Finals Tuesday, and he took another step toward the semifinals in the process.

The No. 2 player in the world recorded his second win of the round-robin stage after beating Milos Raonic Sunday in London. A clash with Andy Murray still awaits, but the Swiss superstar can move out of Group B Tuesday depending upon the Murray vs. Raonic result, according to ESPN Tennis:

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Roger Federer will be guaranteed a place in the semifinals if Raonic defeats Murray tonight, or if Murray wins in 3 sets. -DC

— ESPNTennis (@ESPNTennis) November 11, 2014"

Federer was essentially in control from start to finish against the 2014 U.S. Open runner-up due to his impeccable play. At the same time, his Japanese opponent made some critical errors, per Live Tennis:

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Federer serves out the set 6-3. Nishikori needs to cut down backhand errors. Watch live: http://t.co/xTt9nJqCyM pic.twitter.com/WHDY1aPIBS

— Live Tennis (@livetennis) November 11, 2014"

Although Nishikori fell, he still has an opportunity to advance by virtue of his win over Murray to start the tournament.

While Federer didn't win a Grand Slam title in 2014, this victory is a continuation of his fine season. According to Ben Rothenberg of The New York Times, Fed has now won 70 or more matches in a single campaign on six different occasions:

Even though a Grand Slam title is out of the question this year, Federer still has a chance to end the year as the No. 1 player. Per ATPWorldTour.com, that is a distinction he holds in very high regard:

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As long as I could get back to World No. 1 for one more time, I think that would be very special. I've been there and I know how much it would mean, because winning a tournament is a one‑week thing or a two‑week thing, but getting back to World No. 1 is an entirely different animal. I'll try to get there, but obviously Novak (Djokovic) is going to dictate as well what's going to happen here.

"

Federer is performing like a No. 1 player thus far, but there are still several difficult tests standing in his way.

If the 17-time Grand Slam titlist can maintain this level over the coming days, however, an ascension back to the pinnacle of the sport may very well be in the cards.

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