"Lucky" Nadal battles to Roddick win

Rafa Nadal came from a set and a break down against Andy Roddick in London late on Monday night to win his first match at the O2 Arena 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 to set himself up for a tilt at the semifinals and equal his best showing to date at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals.

"I was a little bit lucky tonight," the world number one, who has received a trophy as the highest-ranked player at year's end after the match between Andy Murray and Roger Federer earlier today, said. "I started the match a little bit nervous after five weeks without playing. Playing against the best players in the world on the most difficult surface for me means the first match will always be difficult. I think I was very close to losing. I was in critical situation when I lost my serve because I was playing one of the best servers in the world."

Nadal's victory places him second in Group A behind Novak Djokovic, who dropped just six games in defeating Tomas Berdych. Djokovic and Nadal will meet in tomorrow's session.

Seventh-seeded David Ferrer, due to take to the court on Tuesday night in a bid to keep his semifinals chances alive against Robin Söderling, will play Andy Murray on Thursday. The Scot was beaten by 6-4, 6-2 by a rampaging Roger Federer today. "Obviously it will be a tough match," Murray said regarding Ferrer. "He's a strong player and incredibly consistent."