Nadal_Australian_Open_2009_2_60345_O
more images

Roger Federer Wimbledon
more images

roger federer 3
more images

Murray beats Verdasco in 3 sets at ATP finals

LONDON — Andy Murray wasted 12 of 13 break points before overcoming Fernando Verdasco 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3) Thursday to close in on a semifinal spot at the ATP World Tour Finals.

The result eliminates Verdasco from the tournament after his third straight round-robin loss. Murray has two wins in Group A but still needs the result of the late match between Roger Federer and Juan Martin del Potro to go his way to advance.

Murray was never broken but struggled with an erratic serve, mixing 18 aces with nine double-faults. He clinched the win when Verdasco missed a forehand wide on the first match point.

Murray wasted seven break points spread over three games in the second set, and paid for it in the tiebreaker. Verdasco took a 6-4 lead with a forehand winner, and the Briton then double-faulted on set point.

“He played ridiculous on the big points in the second set, and to a certain extent in the third set, as well,” Murray said. “Obviously, I would have liked to have broken him, and taken some of the chances. … But I didn’t do that. Unfortunately, I can’t play great on every point.”

The Spaniard had his only break point of the match at 5-4 in the second set, but Murray responded with a service winner to stay in the set.

Murray seemed in full control in the first set, but again struggled to use his opportunities to pull away. He finally converted his fifth break point of the set to take a 5-4 lead when Verdasco netted a simple backhand volley after a long rally where Murray chased down two overhead smashes. The Scot then needed four set points before serving it out in the next game.

Murray would have secured a semifinal spot with a straight-set win, but is now in limbo ahead of the late match. Federer and Murray will go through if the top-ranked Swiss beats Del Potro. Murray also advances along with Del Potro if the Argentine wins in straight sets against Federer. However, a three-set victory for Del Potro will give all three players two wins with a 5-4 set record — meaning organizers will have to count games to see which two advance.

Murray went 3-0 in the group stage of last year’s tournament but then lost to Nikolay Davydenko in the semifinals. He’s hoping to go one step further this time, if he does advance.

“If I play like I did tonight, I’ve got a chance,” Murray said. “I felt like I hit the ball the best that I had done from the baseline today. I felt comfortable when I was being aggressive. … Obviously, I created a lot of chances, as well. I just didn’t take them.”

In Group B, Robin Soderling has already clinched a semifinal spot, while Davydenko and Novak Djokovic are still in contention ahead of Friday’s matches. Rafael Nadal was eliminated after two straight losses.