Novak Djokovic withdrawal hands Andy Murray World Tennis Championship title

Andy Murray collected his first title of the season this afternoon without having to play the final of the World Tennis Championship following Novak Djokovic's withdrawal.

World number one Djokovic overcame Stanislas Wawrinka in the semi-finals yesterday afternoon, but illness has prevented him from competing for the trophy in Abu Dhabi.

"I've been sick today with a fever and I'm not fit to play. I said after my match last night, the crowds here have shown their love of tennis again this year and always inspire me to play my best so I am hugely disappointed not to be able to play for them tonight," the Serbian said in a statement.

"I'm really disappointed not be able to take my chance of winning the trophy here again. Congratulations to Andy, it's a shame I couldn't play him today but I'm sure we will meet again soon."

Murray reached the final thanks to a 6-2 6-0 victory over Rafael Nadal.