Roger Federer Plays Andy Murray Like a Bagpipe in London

Excerpted from www.TennisNow.com

(November 23, 2010) Roger Federer has beaten the hope of the United Kingdom, Andy Murray, 6-4, 6-2 at the latest match of the 2010 ATP World Tour Finals.  Federer has frequently struggled against the young Scot, but put him in his place today soundly, nearly certainly making his way to the semifinals of the tournament.

Murray looked promising in the first set, nearly taking Federer at several points.  However, he got the best of himself in the second set, falling 4-0, only to get two meager points toward the end.

Federer undoubtedly has felt the pressure to prove himself (despite his 16 Slam Titles, mind you) in face of the younger generation of tennis stars that appear ready to step into his shoes.  He played a very clean game, breezing through, letting Murray miss shots and making the best of Murray’s 26 total unforced errors.

Despite losing to Murray in the Toronto and Shanghai finals, prior to the match, Federer gave his thoughts on playing Murray and admitted their rankings reflect their strengths.

"We've kind of peaked at similar times this year I thought with Murray.  We both played well at the Australian, then we played well in Toronto.  We both played well in Shanghai.  Here it seems like we're both playing well again.  So it's somewhat similar, I guess," said Federer.  "Only difference is I have the slam and the 250, 500 and 1000.  He has also other tournament victories.  I guess overall I've been a bit more consistent than he has, otherwise I wouldn't be in front in the rankings."

Or perhaps Murray didn’t play his best because of that hideous shirt he was wearing—a black shirt with white and green argyle pattering.  We get it Andy—you’re Scottish.  But Roger, being the nobleman he is, held his tongue to such obvious poor taste, giving him a portly handshake.

While walking through the tunnel to his dressing room, he apparently ran into Nadal, who was walking to receive an award for best player of 2010.  The two embraced and then parted ways.

I guess the ATP still is a gentleman’s league.

Roger Federer is set to play Robin Soderling and Andy Murray is to play David Ferrer; both matches taking place on Thursday in London’s O2 Arena.