Roger Federer is hoping he does not have to rely on Andy Murray’s withdrawal to book his place in the showpiece season-ending Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
The former world number one saw his disappointing season nosedive when crashing out of the Shanghai Masters 6-4 6-7 (5/7) 6-3 against Gael Monfils.
It means the 32-year-old’s hopes of reaching the London tournament now rests on his form at upcoming event in Paris and Basle.
When asked about Murray’s absence because of recent back surgery, Federer said on atpworldtour.com: “I hope I don’t have to rely on it. If I have to, I have to. But that’s not really what I want.
“I’m just going to focus on trying to play well. I’m just going to try to have a good tournament in Basle and Paris. In the end, if I get the invite, I’ll be there.”
Monfils added: “It’s a good win for me. I feel a bit sorry for him because I know he’s running for London. But it’s tennis. He’s going to have more opportunity those weeks coming up.”
The Frenchman now faces the unenviable task of stopping in-form Novak Djokovic, who eased past Fabio Fognini 6-3 6-3. Monfils is quoted 7/1 in the match betting and Djokovic is available to back at 1/14.
The new world number one, Rafael Nadal, also survived a close second set to defeat Carlos Berlocq 6-1 7-6 (7/5) and remains on course for a final against his Serbian rival.
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