Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka has qualified for the semi-finals of the ATP World Tour Finals in his first attempt after a win over David Ferrer in London.

Wawrinka defeated the Spaniard 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 6-1, but he needed the help of another Spaniard later in the day to make sure of his place when Rafael Nadal beat Tomas Berdych 6-4 1-6 6-3.

Nadal had already booked his spot in the final four, but his win allowed Wawrinka to progress by taking second place in Group A.

Wawrinka’s win against Ferrer came the hard way, after he blew a 5-2 lead in the opening set before losing it in a tie-break.

The world No.8 regained his composure early in the second set, and he was too strong throughout the remainder of the contest.

Nadal has never won the season-ending showcase, and he will meet either Roger Federer or Juan Martin del Potro in the semi-finals.

Federer and Del Potro meet on Saturday to decide who claims second place in Group B behind Novak Djokovic, who Wawrinka will meet in the other semi-final.