Rafael Nadal's dramatic withdrawal from the ATP Finals in London leaves Roger Federer as the only megastar standing at a tournament now looking seriously short of star power. The Spanish World No. 1 produced an astonishing never-say-die performance in his opening round-robin match at the O2 Arena late yesterday despite obvious discomfort, digging deep to save four match points before eventually succumbing to a tenacious David Goffin. With Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray sidelined through injury, Federer is the only genuine star left in London and is the clear favourite to lift his seventh year-end title at the grand old age of 36. For all the showbiz vibe at the event, the numbers do not lie - all the remaining competitors at the tournament have a single Grand Slam title between them, compared to Federer's haul of 19.

Spain's Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd after losing his singles match to David Goffin  at the O2 Arena in  London on Monday. Pic/AFP