It was Federer's record 40th win in the season finale for the Swiss star, taking him past Ivan Lendl's 39 wins.
This is the first time that Tipsarevic has qualified for the competition by right, as last year he was brought
in after Andy Murray withdrew from 2011's season finale.
A sweeping backhand winner gave Federer a break at the first opportunity. Federer's serve wasn't threatened at all in the first set, winning the set in just 30 minutes.
Tipsarevic attempted to hang on as the 17-time Grand Slam champion threatened early in the second, but after saving two more break points, a netted forehand gave up the third.A forehand winner from Federer gave him a double-break and he strolled through the remaining games to seal victory in just 68 minutes.
Also playing in Group B today is David Ferrer and Juan Martin Del Potro.