Djokovic wins ATP World Tour Final

London, November 18, 2014 (Agencies) 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 Wawrinka in 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 number two 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-times 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.