Roger Federer has withdrawn from the ATP World Tour final in London against Novak Djokovic, because of a back injury.
The 33-year-old Swiss apologized when he made the announcement to the crowd at the O2 Arena, explaining that he was not fit enough to play.
The world number 2 adds that his immediate plan was to work against recovery, as he is scheduled to join Switzerland team-mate Stanislas Wawrinka for the Davis Cup final against France next week.
Meanwhile, this marked Djokovic’s fourth victory at the season-ending event.
The World number 1 became the first man to win three straight titles since Ivan Lendl from 1985-87. The only other player to mark the same honours was Ilie Nastase, from 1971-73.
The 27-year-old Serbian, who finished as year-end No.1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings for the third time (also 2011-12), ends his season with a 61-8 match record, winning seven titles from 11 finals.
Some reactions from Federer’s fans, on his sudden withdrawal:
this clearly mean his back ws troubling him even in the SF, yet that man fought so hard, saved 4 MPs and won d match! #respect @rogerfederer
— Saba 💬 (@SabrLuv) November 17, 2014
Being a @rogerfederer Fan is like a marriage vow…
"for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, till death us do part"— Kuya 🇨🇭- #GS21♈ ☝ ✌ (@diehardrf) November 17, 2014
Get Well Soon @rogerfederer Nothing is more important than your health.
Thankyou for the awesome 2014 & All the… http://t.co/CuOD0jpMmu— iMukesh (@itss_Mukesh) November 17, 2014
Sad, sad news, as Roger Federer has been forced to withdraw from today's final with a back injury. Novak Djokovic claims the title.
— Alluri Prasad (@Pokiri_Prasad) November 17, 2014
@rogerfederer Sorry for you, get well soon!@DjokerNole Congrats once again! (:
— Aditya Ugale (@r3_Nole) November 17, 2014
https://twitter.com/SunshineTanz/status/534245662607421440
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