Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.

Practiced tennis diplomat Roger Federer did not offer an opinion on the dilemma facing rival Andy Murray on whether or not to risk Britain’s Davis Cup final on clay to compete under ATP pressure at the World Tour Finals.

Murray, whose bad back does not adapt well to a change from hardcourt onto clay – surface of choice by Belgium for the November Davis final in Ghent – has suggested that he would  hope to skip the elite London ATP date in order to get acclimated to clay.

But with the court in Belgium not due to be ready until Monday of the Davis Cup week, there seems to be little point. ATP officials have warned that Murray faces the loss of millions in prize and other monies and might face further sanctions.

Swiss Federer is happily prepared to let Murray make the tough call.

“Only Murray’s coach Amelie knows,” said Federer of the Scot’s condition. “The rest is up for debate what he wants to do.

“It’s a great dilemma to have; he has to set the priorities what’s the most important to him right now. Both (events) are sort of in his home country, if you will. It’s a big deal, both of them. For me, it all worked out at the end of the day. I thought I could play both. But, of course, it’s a close call.”

Last November, Federer was unable to play the London title match due to back pain, handing the trophy to Novak Djokovic.

But five days later, the over-30 Swiss was taking his place on court in the Davis final against France and leading his team to an historic title.

“I did go practice on clay after Shanghai (late October, 2014), I think, for a few days before going to Basel,” said Federer, 34. “Then I played the (ATP) schedule through (winning the Basel title).

“I just got really unlucky at the end of London, like we all know. Then it was a race for Lille for the Davis Cup final.”

Copyright © 2015. No duplication is permitted without permission from Bob Larson Tennis.