Novak Djokovic wins his fourth ATP tour finals courtesy a walk-over

Novak Djokovic with the title

The ATP tour finals finished on a slightly disappointing note on Sunday with World no. 1 Novak Djokovic receiving a walk-over after his opponent Roger Federer couldn’t participate because of a back injury that he seemed to picked up during his semifinal clash against Stan Wawrinka and withdrew, just under an hour before the final was supposed to begin. This was Djokovic’s fourth ATP tour finals title

“I tried all year to be ready for the ATP Finals, and I didn’t want it to end this way.But I tried everything I could last night and also today: painkillers, treatment, rest, warm-up until the very end. But I just can’t compete at this level with Novak, and in a final like this, it would be too risky at my age to do this right now. I hope you understand.” The 17-time Grand Slam champion said.

The fans were instead compensated with an exhibition match between the Serb and Andy Murray, who was hastily called to take part in the fixture.

“I must apologize; I clearly pushed Roger too hard on Thursday.” Murray joked at the end of the game.

Was as surprised to hear about it as you were: Djokovic

Djokovic said that he was as surprised as anyone else when he heard about Federer’s condition.

“Look, I was probably as surprised as you guys were. This is probably the biggest match of the season next to the final of a Grand Slam. I’m sure if he could have, he would be on the court. I mean, I spoke to him. Also he doesn’t know: It’s a question mark for the Davis Cup final, as well.” The 27-year-old said.

The injury to Federer has also put a question mark over his participation in the Davis Cup rubber against France next week. However, the 33-year-old has said he would be going to Lille.    

Good decision to not take part: former coach

His former coach, Paul Annacone admitted the Swiss ace was probably not playing his 100% in 2013 itself and playing the final would’ve aggravated the injury further.

“Obviously in 2013, he played a lot of the year far from 100 percent. So I think he’s probably pretty gun-shy, and I know what Davis Cup means to him. I’m speculating, but it sounds like the back was pretty bad today, and playing Djokovic like that, you don’t have a chance and probably have a significant chance to hurt yourself further and maybe not have any chance to play in Lille.” The American said.

The fans, who had turned up to watch an exciting final seemed to have understood Federer’s condition, but there was a certain section that was furious at the cancellation, having paid £100 per ticket.