A mouth-watering finale to the season ended before it even began on Sunday when Roger Federer was forced to pull out through injury prior to his ATP World Tour Final showdown with Novak Djokovic.
The 33-year-old Swiss, who spent two hours 48 minutes defeating compatriot Stanislas Wawrinkain a gruelling semi-final the previous night, announced his decision on court as the 17 000-seat O2 Arena filled up for the expected final.
World No 2 Federer, who was bidding for a seventh title at the year-ender, apologised but told the crowd he was not “match-fit” after developing a back problem.
Looking as stylish as ever as he stood on the blue indoor surface wearing a red and grey cardigan, Federer apologised, saying: “I hope you understand I wanted to come out personally and excuse myself for not playing … I can’t compete without a back at this level.”
Despite the huge sense of anti-climax in the crowd, some of whom had forked-out thousands of pounds for a courtside ticket, there was no booing, with applause breaking out as seven-time Wimbledon champion Federer spoke.
Djokovic becomes the first player to win the Tour Finals title three years in succession since Ivan Lendl (1985-87) but was not really in the mood for celebrating when he collected the trophy and $1.92 million cheque.
“Obviously not the way I’d like to win this,” the 27-year-old Djokovic, who clinched the year-end world No 1 ranking for the third time in four years this week, said.
“I feel sorry for Roger. I’ve been in tennis 10 years and I know Roger and Rafa (Nadal) have been the biggest competitors and always give their 100 percent. If Roger could have come out and played he would have played.
“I feel sorry for you guys (the fans). It was a well-anticipated match between the No 1 and two in the world and everyone was excited to see it.”
“I’m not the kind of player to celebrate these wins, but I have to celebrate the whole season and this trophy is the crown on the season,” he added.
ATP executive chairman and President Chris Kermode, standing alongside Federer, then announced that British No 1 Andy Murray, who failed to qualify for the semi-finals after being thrashed by Federer on Thursday, would play Djokovic in a one-set exhibition match instead.
That would be followed by an exhibition doubles between Murray and John McEnroe and Tim Henman and Pat Cash. Federer now faces a battle to be fit for the Davis Cup final against France which starts on Friday.
Along with the Olympic singles title, the Davis Cup is the major honour which still eludes the 17-times grand slam champion, with Switzerland’s hopes resting on the shoulders of him and Wawrinka.