Federer happy to Sock it to his ATP Finals rival

ROGER FEDERER got off to a flying start at the ATP Finals in London with a straight-sets victory over Jack Sock.

The 19-time major champion began his bid for a record seventh crown by defeating the American 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in an hour and a half at the O2 Arena.

Federer hit 28 winners without offering Sock a single break point and while he was taken to a second-set tie-break, victory was never really in doubt.

He said: “In the first round at any tournament you’re not used to the conditions. After a while you’re happy to hit some good shots.

“I got off to a good start, the second set was tighter but I am really happy to get through.”

SO NEAR YET SO FAR Evans, main pic, rises to head at goal only for Swiss ace Rodriguez to hack off line, top right, to the dismay of Irish fans before Lichtsteiner, above, parties