Federer, Murray score victories

Roger Federer defeated Fernando Verdasco after an early stumble yesterday while Andy Murray marked the start of London’s five-year hosting of the ATP Tour Finals, with a three-set victory over Juan Martin del Potro.



Swiss maestro Federer, looking to regain the year-end top ranking after being overthrown by Rafael Nadal last year, got himself out of trouble after losing the first set to win 4-6, 7-5, 6-1 and join Murray at the top of Group ‘A’ in the season-ending showpiece.



Murray withstood a ferocious comeback by US Open champion Del Potro to claim a 6-3, 3-6, 6-2 victory that at one stage looked to be slipping away from him.



Murray’s next opponent will be Federer tomorrow night.



Rafael Nadal, Robin Soderling, Novak Djokovic and Nikolay Davydenko kick off Group ‘B’ today.