Hi Daniel, begins John McEnerney, intimating cheer. What a massive disappointment the Fed has pulled out but an even bigger disappointment on hearing Murray is the sub. Should be Stan no question. Id say Novak is fuming because he would have had the measure of Fed I think and would have wanted to show it! Murray isnt the ideal sub hes on his last legs after that mad rush to qualify for this plus he was schooled, brutalized & torn apart by Federer the other night and is in no fit state to take on Novak and give him a decent match! Try to enjoy it man!
Presumably Wawrinka has already beetled off home, but given they have an alternate around for the whole first week, it is a little odd not to retain a contingency. And yep, Im sure Djokovic is nauseated, not because he was sure of winning but because hes a competitor. The Murray thing would be fine, but the eight games makes it more of a sport-entertainment hybrid.
Unfortunately Im not match fit to play match tonight. Clearly I wish it wasnt this way. You try all year to be ready for the ATP World Tour Finals and I didnt want to end this way. I tried everything I could last night and today - painkillers, rest - until the very end, but I cant compete at this level with Novak. In a final like this and at my age, it would be too risky. I hope you understand.
Yerman Rodge on Facebook:
I am sorry to announce that I cannot play the finals tonight vs. Novak. I hurt my back late in the match yesterday against Stan. I am very disappointed and I hope to be feeling better soon.
Its impossible not to be calmed down by Stefan Edberg, so heres some Stefan Edberg. Feel calmed.
There are two types of people in the world: those who appreciate Andy Murray, and silly people. I wonder why its not a full three-setter, though.
Gah!
Its kind of nice - well, just straight nice, actually - the way everyones handled this. Federer for coming out, Murray and the rest for stepping in, the organisers for making it happen - though would it be too much for the ATP to insist the losing semi-finalists hang on one day more?
Who fancies a game? Anyone? Ah you, yes you, youve not had a hiding in what, four days? Andy Murray will play Djokovic in a first to eight, then partner John McEnroe for a doubles match against Tim Henman and Pat Cash. Musical interludes to be provided by Cliff Richard.
So, Novak Djokovic is the champion. Its almost a shame yesterdays brilliant tennis was so brilliant, else wed be be talking about the worst sporting tournament of all-time.
In typical style, Federer is out addressing the crowd. I hope you understand I wanted to come out personally and excuse myself for not playing ... I cant compete without a back at this level.
Ok, its confirmed: Federer is out. By way of consolation, some disappointable monogrammed types will be disappointed, but really, what a complete and utter heel to the solar plexus. The good news is that he should be fine for the Davis Cup final.
Presumably, itll be Wawrinka, if its anyone... oh please let it be someone.
S.A.K.E. Thereve been rumours about a Federer back injury all afternoon, and now, a significant number of tennis sages are stating it as fact. Wither David Ferrer?
Preamble The profession of bantz has many aspects, but a staple is the comparison of incomparables and ranking of unrankables. Whos the greatest director, whats the best song ever written, which would you rather, fingers made of razor blade or a tongue with no tastebuds.
Things become particularly fraught and overwrought when distinguishing between various perfections; Lugers porterhouse, say, and McCoys Chilli, Middlemarch and The Beano. Sometimes, though, sport lets us actually see. This evening, for our pleasure, Roger Federer will play Novak Djokovic, both brilliant like nothing has ever been brilliant before and near enough unimprovable; the majestic sweep of Beethovens Fifth versus the rhythmic, scurrying gymnastics of Fools Gold.
