While Nicol spent 13 days in the company of Lennon, McCartney and Harrison on their American jaunt, Goffin's 'world tour' is going to last a couple of hours at best. Maybe less if Novak Djokovic is in the mood.

The new world number two - doesn't that still sound odd? - has already breezed into the ATP World Tour Finals knockout phase.

And Goffin, a late replacement for the injured Gael Monfils, can't qualify. So this is basically the tennis equivalent of an end of season football game. Nothing to play for. A dead rubber. Maybe we'll see a glitzy new kit for the first time...

Sat at home twiddling his thumbs, perhaps watching the television, thinking one day that could be me.

Then the phone rings.

"What are you up to? We need you quickly. Ringo can't play. Get your kit and meet us there." 

Today David Goffin is the Jimmie Nicol of tennis....

Image source, Getty Images