Roger Federer pulls out of ATP World Tour Finals and hands Novak Djokovic trophy

World no. 2 Roger Federer disappointed more than 17,000 fans at the O2 Arena after pulling out of the final against Novak Djokovic, citing a back injury sustained in his semifinal match against Stanislas Wawrinka.

The 33-year-old Swiss announced he was "not match-fit" as he apologised to the crowd in person.

The withdrawal resulted in Djokovic's fourth victory at the season-ending event. He also becomes the first man to win three titles in a row since Ivan Lendl back in the 80s.

No one saw that coming from Federer, who had withdrawn during tournaments on only two previous occasions - in 2008 against James Blake (Bercy) and 2012 against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (Doha).

Novak Djokovic won seven ATP events in 2014, including Wimbledon.

Federer declined to speak to the media on Sunday night after his withdrawal.

On Monday Federer and Wawrinka are due to travel to Lille where, starting on Friday, they will joining the Switzerland team that tackles France in the Davis Cup. That is the only major prize in tennis that the Swiss maestro has not won.

Roger Federer: Last minute race to the World Tour Finals

With Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from the ATP Swiss Indoors event in Basel due to fatigue, it is a good news for Roger Federer as his obstacles (based on rankings) are now down to Juan Martin del Potro and Tomas Berdych.

Seeded third, the five-time Basel champ needs to have a strong run this week as well as the upcoming Paris Masters in order to secure one of the four spots left in the World Tour Finals (WTF) at the O2, London in November. If you are following these events very closely and looking for online sportsbooks that provide a straightforward and convenient way for your sports betting needs, go to list of top sportsbook sites.

A couple of days earlier, Federer admitted that he had made disastrous errors in this year's campaign. However he said retirement is not on his agenda.

The seventeen-time Grand Slam winner proved made a winning start at the Swiss Indoors with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Adrian Mannarino yesterday. He will face either Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin in the second round tomorrow. While Federer needs to keep winning this week and in coming week, you can achieve exactly the same winning moments by visiting this sports handicapping guide.

Federer has qualified for the season-ending tournament WTF every year since 2002, winning it six times. I believe he is not going to miss it this year too.

(Images via menstennisforums.com)