LONDON, Nov. 17 (NsNewsWire) — World No. 1 Andy Murray fought hard to edge Kei Nishikori 6-7(9), 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday while third seed Stan Wawrinka defeated Marin Cilic 7-6(3), 7-6(3) to keep alive his chances of qualifying for the semifinals at the ATP World Tour Finals

Murray improved to a 2-0 record in Group John McEnroe, extending his winning streak to 21 matches and also staying in the battle to hold off Novak Djokovic for the year-end No. 1 in the world rankings, reports Xinhua.

The Scot improved to an 8-2 record against Nishikori, with victory in three hours and 21 minutes – the longest match at the year-end championships since it moved to London in 2009.

“I’m a bit tired, obviously,” said Murray. “I’m sure tomorrow I’ll be a bit sore. But it’s positive I get a day’s rest, a day’s recovery tomorrow.”

“It never feels good after losing the match,” said Nishikori. “I know it was close. I mean, I’m definitely disappointed. I think it was great match, both of us.”

Third seed Wawrinka, who saved one set point in the first set, earned a confidence boosting victory over seventh seed Cilic in one hour and 58 minutes.

Wawrinka will next face Murray while Nishikori take on Cilic in their last group matches on Friday.