Murray misses out as Del Potro beats Federer

Del Potro's 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 win meant he progressed to the semis at Murray's expense, having won one more game than the Scot over his three matches.

Both players had won two and lost one of their encounters at The O2 but Del Potro had won 45 games compared to Murray's 44.

Murray had done his bit by beating Fernando Verdasco yesterday afternoon, but took three sets to do so. His 6-4, 6-7, 7-6 victory could have been enough to ensure his continued presence in the tournament but Del Potro overcame a weary-looking Federer later on.

Del Potro, cheered on by Argentine compatriot Carlos Tevez, repeated his US Open final win over the world number one, this time triumphing 6-2, 6-7, 6-3.

In fact, Del Potro could have sent Federer home early had he held his nerve to win the second set tie-break, but the Swiss superstar clung on.

He was understandably delighted to have qualified for tomorrow's semi-finals and feels he now has a great chance of reaching Sunday's final.

He said: "I played good tennis today, similar than New York, a little better in some moments of the match.

"I served good in important moments. I took my opportunities. That's what I have to do against the best player in the world: take the opportunities and try to play the best tennis.

"My best match ever was the final of the US Open, but I feel better again since the US Open and that's important for the next matches."

The last semi-final spot will be claimed today, either by Novak Djokovic or Nikolai Davydenko.

Djokovic will have to beat world number two Rafael Nadal, who has already been eliminated after two defeats, while hope that Robing Soderling beats Davydenko.

Soderling has already secured his semi-final berth.