Fans get partial refunds for O2 Federer no show
LONDON tennis fans left disappointed by the cancellation of the final of the ATP World Tour Finals at the O2 on Sunday are set to receive a 60 per cent refund on their tickets.
World No2 Roger Federer stunned spectators just minutes before his showdown with defending champion Novak Djokovic by announcing he was forfeiting the match due to a back injury.
Britain’s Andy Murray placated fans by stepping in at short notice to play Djokovic in a one-set exhibition match and then teamed up with Tim Henman, John McEnroe and Pat Cash in a doubles clash.
Organisers of the glitzy season-ending tournament yesterday provided further solace by announcing that all ticket-holders are to have 60 per cent of the price reimbursed, and be given priority booking for next year’s event.
“Following the unfortunate circumstances that prevented the singles final from taking place as part of the final session of the 2014 Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, all ticket-holders who purchased regular tickets through authorised ticketing channels will receive an automatic 60 per cent refund,” organisers said.
“Customers will be contacted directly via their respective ticketing outlets with specific details on how they will receive their refund.
Ticket-holders for the 2014 final will also receive advanced access to purchase tickets for the 2015 tournament. Further information on how to take advantage of this offer will be sent out to all applicable customers in February next year. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, and thank you for your support.”
Federer’s dramatic final forfeit also fuelled speculation of a falling-out with the man he beat in Saturday’s epic semi-final, fellow Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka. The 17-time grand slam winner on Tuesday admitted there had been a “heat of the moment” incident between the Davis Cup team-mates but insisted they were “friends”.