For the first time in the tournament’s 45-year history, the final ended in a walkover as a back injury kept Federer from competing, allowing stunned world number one Novak Djokovic to lift the trophy without breaking a sweat..
Federer’s injury raises doubts as to whether he’ll be fit to play for Switzerland in this week’s Davis Cup final against France, one of the few tournaments he hasn’t yet won.
But McEnroe believes there could be more issues facing the Swiss camp as he said an argument between Federer and his Davis Cup team-mate Wawrinka, one that occurred following a tense, three-hour semi-final in London, may have exacerbated Federer’s back issues.
“Something went on in the locker room, there was a long talk between the players that extended well into the night,” McEnroe said while commentating for ESPN.
“And the stress of that — I can’t confirm all of this — but a lot of this went on and ... I don’t think that helped the situation.”
Wawrinka repeatedly served at Federer’s body during the semi-final and even hit him with a ball when Federer went to the net during one point.
But in response, Wawrinka was angered by noises coming from Federer’s supporters’ box late in the third set. There is some speculation the noises were coming from Federer’s wife Mirka, with a French television station reporting Wawrinka as saying: “She did the same thing during Wimbledon.”
In an indication of how bad Federer’s back must have been, it’s just the third time he’s withdrawn in 1221 matches – both the other times were as a result of back issues as well - with the 33-year-old remarkably having never retired from a single game.
“I am sorry to announce that I cannot play the finals tonight vs. Novak. I hurt my back late in the match yesterday against Stan. I am very disappointed and I hope to be feeling better soon,” he said in a statement on Facebook.
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.”
Regardless of the Swiss politics, McEnroe said it had been a tough night for everyone involved.
“I’m a bit stunned, I think everybody in the audience is as well. A bit bummed as well,” he said.
“Not to be able to go on the court, that just shows you in an individual sport, when you’re hurt you’ve got no one you can substitute unfortunately.
“It’s not like team sport, NBA, football, whatever, baseball where you can throw someone else out there. Tennis, no match. “