• ATP World Tour Finals

Soderling keeps qualification hopes alive in London

Robin Soderling kept his hopes of qualifying for the semi-finals alive © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Federer rips Murray apart in London
  
• Profile: David Ferrer | Robin Soderling
• Gallery: Barclays ATP Tour Finals Day Three

Robin Soderling gave himself every chance of qualifying for the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour finals with a hard-fought victory over David Ferrer.

Soderling dug deep to earn a 7-5 7-5 victory, his first win of the tournament to virtually end Ferrer's challenge at London's O2 Arena. In the sixth meeting between the pair this year, Soderling got the better of his opponent with late breaks in the last game of each set to keep his challenge alive.

After being comprehensively outplayed by Andy Murray in his opening match on Sunday, Soderling needed a win to have any hopes of qualifying for the last-four, but he was made to work hard for his victory by a determined Ferrer.

A single break in the last game of the opening set gave the Swede the advantage, and Ferrer was soon facing defeat after finding himself a break down in the second. However, with Soderling serving for match at 5-3 in the second set, Ferrer carved his first break point of the match, and converted to keep himself in the encounter.

But just as the set looked to be heading for a tiebreak, Soderling snatched a third break to wrap up the win after an hour and 41 minutes on court.

"It was tough," Soderling admitted. "I think I served very well today, but I have a few things that I need to improve. But I'm playing a little bit better and better so hopefully in my next match I will be really good."

The result leaves Andy Murray's chances of qualifying for the semi-finals hanging in the balance after the Scot was outclassed by Federer earlier on Tuesday. With Murray playing Ferrer in his final round-robin match, the Scot must hope Soderling is beaten by Federer on Thursday. Ferrer still holds a faint hope of qualification, but must thrash Murray in and hope Federer beats Soderling.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.