Why was the WTF Final in 2004 only best of 3?

Federer d. Hewitt 6-3 6-2.

All ATP World Tour Finals championship matches between 1980 and 2007 inclusive were best of 5 except this match.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATP_World_Tour_Finals

http://www.atpworldtour.com/Tennis/Players/Top-Players/Roger-Federer.aspx?t=pa&y=2004&m=s&e=0#

It's an indoor event so weather can't be the reason. So confused...

It was the weather. It was played on outdoor hard courts.

Source (http://www.tennisserver.com/wildcards/wildcards_04_12.html)

2003 and 2004 Masters Cups were held on outdoor hardcourts at the Westside Tennis Center in Houston. The 2004 tournament was getting rained out so they had to cut the singles final to a best of 3.

Is the weather in Houston in November good enough to host an ATP event :eek:

It was the weather. It was played on outdoor hard courts.

Source (http://www.tennisserver.com/wildcards/wildcards_04_12.html)

2003 and 2004 Masters Cups were held on outdoor hardcourts at the Westside Tennis Center in Houston. The 2004 tournament was getting rained out so they had to cut the singles final to a best of 3.

Cheers people!