Andre Agassi closed the gap between himself and Champions Race leader Lleyton Hewitt to just 43 points, but not in the manner he would have hoped for.

Jiri Novak, his opponent in Sunday's Madrid Masters final, was forced to withdraw with a leg injury, handing Agassi the title by default.

"It's a very disappointing way for the tournament to come to an end," Agassi said after being presented with the trophy.

"You worry about Novak's health - I hope it's not too bad. It's been a great week, with so much excitement, and it's disappointing for it to end this way."

Novak came out to announce his withdrawal to a capacity crowd at the Madrid Rockodrome.

The Czech player won through to his first Masters Series final with a straight sets win over Fabrice Santoro on Saturday but said he had picked up the injury towards the end of that match.

"I apologise to the tournament, to everyone, but I can't play," he said.

"I suffered the injury at the end of my semi-final and this morning I was in pain."