He’s a good sort, that Andy Murray.
After a horrendous week at the ATP Tour finals in London, the Scot, who won just a single game against Federer as he was knocked out at the group stage, graciously stepped in for the Swiss legend after Federer pulled out of tonight’s final against Novak Djokovic.
The 33-year-old made his announcement during the prize ceremony for the doubles tournament, citing a back injury.
‘I’m sorry I’m not fit to play,’ he told the crowd. ‘I hope you understand. I wanted to come out personally and explain. I did everything I could. I took pain-killers, had rest until the very end, but I just cannot compete at this level with Novak. At my age it would’ve been a risk.’
With an arena full of British fans, Murray volunteered to play a single-set exhibition against the in-form Serb, and will also team up with John McEnroe for some doubles action against Pat Cash and Tim Henman.
