For the first time in several years, the world actually is paying attention to the ATP World Tour Finals. One reason is that the year-end event moved from Shanghai, China, to London's O2 Arena, where it is getting more enthusiastic crowds and more TV viewership.

Another reason is that there was a more compelling story line than usual. Seven of the top eight players are there (injured Andy Roddick is the only absentee), and the No. 1 year-end ranking was on the line.

Roger Federer reclaimed the top spot with his 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory over Andy Murray on Tuesday. It is the fifth year Federer will finish No. 1, which puts him one short of Pete Sampras' record.

Rafael Nadal had a chance to overtake Federer, but he lost his first-round match to Robin Soderling 7-6, 6-1. Soderling, eighth seed from Sweden and Roddick's replacement, went on to beat third-ranked Novak Djokovic 7-6, 6-1 Wednesday to reach the semifinals.

Federer was elated to finish the year on top after his struggles in 2008. He reached all four Grand Slam finals this season and won two titles, including the French Open, which had eluded him. He also won Wimbledon after outlasting Roddick 16-14 in the fifth set. That victory gave him his 15th major title, overtaking Sampras' career record.

Federer also got married and became a father to twin daughters.

``It means a lot to have returned to No. 1 and to finish the year again at No. 1,'' Federer said Wednesday. ``It was an incredible year for me both on the court and off the court, and to be able to break the all-time Grand Slam record and finish the year on top is amazing.''

Federer hasn't had an easy time this week at the World Tour Finals. He had to rally to win both matches, first against Fernando Verdasco and then again against Murray. His next test? Juan Martin del Potro, a tall Argentine who defeated Federer in five sets to win the U.S. Open title in September.

``It could be a make-or-break match for us to get through,'' Federer said. ``If that's the case, I'll give it all I have and try to beat him this time.''

Of Soderling, who next plays Russian Nikolay Davydenko, Djokovic said: ``He won four straight sets and absolutely deserved to qualify for the semifinals. He's the best player so far in the tournament.''

CURTIS RETIRES

Bobby Curtis, a Florida junior tennis official who was instrumental in the careers of Roddick, Jim Courier and Mary Joe Fernandez, will be honored upon his retirement at the USTA Florida 60th Annual Meeting on Dec. 6 in Clearwater.

``Whatever Bobby was getting paid, it was not enough,'' Roddick said. ``His countless hours of pure love for the sport was a takeaway memory for me from my junior days, when I played in Florida.''

Said Fernandez: ``Bobby remains one of the most instrumental people in my career. He was always there for me and my family, guiding us through the inner workings of junior tennis. Bobby's smile, generosity and dedication to children and tennis is unmatched.''

OB TENNIS

The 63rd Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships start Dec. 6 at the Crandon Park Tennis Center on Key Biscayne. The boys' 18s field includes three of the top-10 players in the world, including No. 1 Daniel Berta of Sweden. The girls' No. 1, Kristina Mladenovic of France, also is entered, along with Madison Keys, 14, of Boca Raton.

The Junior Orange Bowl event (14s and 12s) follows, with qualifying Dec. 14-16 and the main draw Dec. 17-23. The boys' 14s are at the University of Miami, and the girls' 14s are at the Biltmore. The boys' 12s are at Tropical Park, and the girls' 12s are at Salvadore Park.