Federer defeats Murray to seal year-ending World No.1

Federer defeats Murray to seal year-ending World No.1

LONDON, Nov. 24 -- Roger Federer came from behind to beat local favorite Andy Murray here on Tuesday to make sure that his World No.1 crown will last until the end of the season.

Roger Federer of Switerland returns a hit to Andy Murray of Britain during a Group A match at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 24, 2009. Federer won 2-1.

"It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1," said Federer. "It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing."

In his second Group A match at the ATP World Tour Finals, Federer lost the first set 6-3 to Murray, who led the head-to-head record in 6-3. However, the Swiss superstar was calm enough to keep his accurate long balls, winning the following set in 6-3.

Murray's aggression seemed faded in the deciding set, seeing himself lose in 6-1 with half an hour.

With an advantage of 1,3450 points, Federer made sure that he wouldn't be surpassed by World No.2 Rafael Nadal, who was stunned by Swede World No. 9 Robin Soderling on Monday.

Although four titles this year seemed not amazing enough for Federer, to some extent, he did achieve another peak in his career by claiming victory in the French Open in his 11th attempt and became the sixth man in history to win all four Grand Slam titles.

One month after capturing Roland Garros, Federer won a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, where he collected his sixth crown at the All England Club.

Roger Federer (L) of Switerland reacts after winning his Group A match against Andy Murray of Britain at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 24, 2009. Federer won 2-1.

Roger Federer of Switerland returns a hit to Andy Murray of Britain during a Group A match at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 24, 2009. Federer won 2-1.

Roger Federer of Switerland serves the ball to Andy Murray of Britain during a Group A match at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 24, 2009. Federer won 2-1.

Roger Federer of Switerland returns a hit to Andy Murray of Britain during a Group A match at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 24, 2009. Federer won 2-1.

Andy Murray of Britain reacts during his Group A match against Roger Federer of Switerland at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 24, 2009. Murray lost 1-2.

Andy Murray of Britain returns a hit to Roger Federer of Switerland during a Group A match at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 24, 2009. Murray lost 1-2.
(Xinhua/Zeng Yi)