Less than an hour ahead of the highly anticipated year-end culmination at the Barclays World Tour Finals, six-time champion Roger Federer announced that he had been forced to withdraw from the final with a back injury he had sustained the previous evening against Wawrinka.

Federer, who came on court following the Bryan brothers’ title win, revealed that he was simply not willing to risk adding to the back injury sustained, particularly with Davis Cup action scheduled for next weekend.

“I am sorry to announce that I cannot play the finals tonight vs. Novak,” Federer posted on his official Facebook page. “I hurt my back late in the match yesterday against Stan. I am very disappointed and I hope to be feeling better soon. It’s been an extremely difficult decision because I love playing in London and the ATP World Tour Finals have been an absolute highlight of my career. Unfortunately, my back problem does not allow me to play right now. I hope all tennis fans and those involved in the event will understand.”

This marked the first time since 2008 that an ATP Final was contested by a walkover. This was also Federer’s walkover in his entire career.

Andy Murray stepped up to play a pro set against Novak Djokovic to the delight of the crowd.