Federer sees off Ferrer challenge in London oponer

Roger Federer, the ATP Tour Finals champion in 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007, began his campaign Sunday night to regain the season-ending title in London with a straightforward 6-1, 6-4 over Spain's David Ferrer, the beaten finalist in Shanghai when the Swiss last lifted the trophy.

"That year I played some great tennis, I think those were the best weeks I have played in my career," reflected Ferrer. "It's difficult to get into that kind of form. This year has been more average. I had a really low service percentage and that is costly against these players, who are the best in the world. Against Roger it's impossible to have a chance if you don't serve well."

"Looking at the scoreline, it doesn't reflect how tough it was," said Federer. "There were many close games, especially in the second set. I'm really happy the way I was able to get through the first match. Starting off with a feisty top-10 player is never easy." Ferrer plays Robin Söderling tomorrow night before facing local favorite Andy Murray in the final round-robin match in Group B.

Earlier today, Serb star and third seed Novan Djokovic easily passed his first encounter, pushing aside Czech Tomas Berdych 6-3, 6-3.

Rafa Nadal, who endured a torrid Tour Finals last year without winning a single set, faces one of the toughest opponents in the draw in Andy Roddick, the American world number eight whose game is perfectly honed to the zippy London surface. Seeking the only major title that still eludes him, Nadal on Monday night began his campaign after a month on the sidelines with a shoulder complaint.