Injured Murray thinking ahead as Federer blasts his way past Nadal

Andy Murray called a premature end to his 2011 season in London yesterday to ensure he does not compromise his chances in 2012.

The world No 3 revealed after Monday’s straight-sets defeat by David Ferrer at the O2 Arena that he was considering pulling out of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals with a groin strain.

The signs did not look good when he failed to show for a scheduled practice session at 1pm and he announced at a press conference later in the afternoon that he had indeed made the difficult decision to withdraw.

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Murray had kept the injury, which he suffered in practice last Monday, quiet prior to the tournament but confirmed yesterday he had been told to rest completely for up to 10 days.

He chose not to withdraw at that stage but, after a two-hour discussion with his team yesterday, he decided the risk of further injury was simply too great. The Scot said: “I came off the court yesterday and I was very disappointed.

“I was never going to feel great today. It was one of those things where you kind of hope that things are going to get better, but the reality was that wasn’t ever going to happen.

“We chatted for about two hours, when I was going to be practising, about what I should do. I was just trying to find reasons why I should try to play.

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“But there was no real positive to coming out and playing because on Monday I was really unhappy on the court. I wasn’t enjoying it at all. This is one of the best tournaments in the year, one that I think me and all of the players look forward to playing.

“I couldn’t give anywhere near my best. So that’s what was disappointing. I would probably do myself more damage by playing than not.

“The Australian Open is seven weeks away. I could mess up my preparation for that, for the beginning of the year.”

Murray compared the situation to this year’s French Open campaign, when he twisted an ankle in the third round but battled on and eventually reached the semi-finals.

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Murray is no stranger to playing through niggles and he is renowned as someone who only pulls out of tournaments as a last resort. The last time he withdrew midway through an event was in Dubai nearly three years ago while his only retirement during a match came in Hamburg in 2007 when he snapped a tendon in his wrist.

Roger Federer produced a stunning display of tennis to thrash his great rival Rafael Nadal 6-3 6-0 and book his spot in the semi-finals.

A packed O2 Arena brimmed with excitement as arguably the best two players of all time took to the court for their 26th clash in a repeat of last year’s final.

Federer had won only seven of their previous meetings but he was simply on another level last night as he wrapped up victory in 61 minutes, winning 10 of the last 11 games.

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The Swiss said: “I’m very happy, it’s a very surprising result.

“Sometimes you don’t live up to your expectations. I’ve definitely seen Rafa play better but I’ve definitely played worse.”

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga boosted his chances of reaching the semi-finals with a 7-6 (7/4) 6-1 victory over Mardy Fish and faces a Thursday night showdown with Nadal to see who progresses.

“I think I will have some chance,” said Tsonga. “So I hope it will be an advantage for me to play indoors.”