• ATP World Tour Finals

Federer puts boot into Murray

ESPN staff
November 24, 2011
Roger Federer has been in sizzling form so far in London © Getty Images
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Roger Federer has aimed a veiled dig at Andy Murray, claiming there have been many times when he has had to play through the pain of injury and illness.

Murray withdrew from the ATP World Tour Finals following his loss to David Ferrer, citing a groin problem he picked up in training.

Janko Tipsarevic, the man who replaced Murray in the draw, claims he saw no sign of injury when the two practiced and Federer feels that champions have to battle through adversity on occasions.

"I've been unlucky towards the end of the season - I've had a back issue, I've had a quad issue," Federer said.

"The year I beat David Ferrer at the Masters [2007], I had mononucleosis [glandular fever] but I came through that. I guess I'm tough in taking hits as well with my body. I know how to handle them.

"My body, even if it's injured, can still play really well, whereas maybe other players, if they are injured, it doesn't work any more. But that's because I play offensively and I think that's an advantage too.

"Many matches in my career I've played hurt as well but was able to somehow find a way to at least compete or sometimes even to win."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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