Del Potro, Federer reach ATP semifinals

LONDON, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina beat Roger Federer 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-3 Thursday to reach the semifinals at the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The victory eliminated fourth-seeded Scot Andy Murray from contention. Murray had defeated No. 7 Fernando Verdasco of Spain 6-4, 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-3) earlier in the day but del Potro's win over Federer created a three-way tie in Group A -- with del Potro, Federer and Murray all finishing the round-robin with two wins and 5-4 set records.

Federer and del Potro advanced to the semifinals. Murray was eliminated because he had the lowest percentage of games won.

Del Potro previously beat Federer in five sets at the U.S. Open final Sept. 14 in New York.