World number one Rafael Nadal has apologised to fans at the Miami Masters after both he and Novak Djokovic were handed walkovers in their respective semi-final ties.
Tomas Berdych suffered a bout of gastroenteritis before his match with the Spaniard, while a groin injury for Kei Nishikori meant that Djokovic also progressed to the final without having to win a point.
Some 1,000 supporters arrived at the venue unaware that Berdych had retired from the match, prompting the fans to jeer upon hearing the news.
"It's very unlucky, very unusual," Nadal told CBC. "Sorry for Kei, sorry for Tomas, and sorry for the tournament, especially sorry for the fans."
It was the first time in at least 46 years that the final of an ATP Tour event was determined in such a manner.
Nevertheless, the top two in the world will meet in the showpiece on Sunday, which will be 40th competitive meeting between the pair.
Written by
Shane Callaghan
Shane Callaghan
