ATP World Tour Finals Predictions

The draw for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals is out and play gets underway at 12.15pm on Sunday the 20th of November. Roger is first on at 14:00 GMT after the doubles opening, playing the man he beat in Paris earlier this month – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. Probably the biggest surprise is that Nadal and Federer are in the same group, I, like most people expected them to be in separate halves of the draw. As with all the major tournaments of the year, I’ll be making my usual tennis predictions so let’s take a look…

Barclays ATP World Tour Finals Predictions

Here are my predictions for the World Tour Finals…

Novak Djokovic

Djokovic has had one of the best years in the Open era this year, winning 3 slams and beating Nadal in 6 finals, it’s right up there with Rogers 2006 season. After struggling with an injury in Basel in his loss to Nishikori, he then retired in Bercy. I think the long season has taken it’s toll Djokovic and this tournament will be a step too far for him.

Prediction: Runner Up

Andy Murray

Murray has been on a good run of form lately, but for me, I can’t stand the guy, it’s hard enough writing about him never mind watching him. So this is arguably my most biased prediction and I hope/wish/pray he finishes bottom of his group.

Prediction: Round Robin Exit

Tomas Berdych

Berdych is always dangerous but I’m not a huge fan of his game, if his ground strokes and serve find the lines, then you can argue he can beat anyone, but I don’t believe he has the game to be a true contender. He may cause Murray problems but I think he’ll be making his exit before the knock out stages.

Prediction: Round Robin Exit

David Ferrer

The ultimate grinding style of player, Ferrer’s style is to scamper round the court and make it as difficult as possible for his opponent. I think he might do quite well in London though and cause some players quite a lot of problems. Everyone is expecting him to the be whipping boy of the tournament, but I’m gonna say he will beat Murray. More out of hope than anything though!

Prediction: Semi Finals

Roger Federer

Roger is heading into this tournament as the form player, I might be letting my heart rule my head but I think he could win here too. His game is suited to the indoor tournaments, and it’s impossible for players to break down his backhand because the ball never bounces that high. Up until really earlier today, I thought Fed would lose here but win the Australian Open. Obviously I’d like him to win both but if I had to pick one outcome it would definitely be slam number 17.

Prediction: Winner

Rafael Nadal

Nadal will be the freshest heading into the tournament after he didn’t play Valencia or in Bercy. He could be dangerous and perhaps him pulling out of those 2 tournaments signifies that he plans on breaking his World Tour Finals duck. I think Nadal is at his most vulnerable indoors though so it could be difficult for him.

Prediction: Semi Finals

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Tsonga is heading into London off the back of making the final in Paris where he lost to Federer. He’s dangerous, and I’m still unsure about who will make the semis from this group. I think Tsonga could beat Nadal if he turns up, but a lot of things need to be in his favour for that to happen.

Prediction: Round Robin Exit

Mardy Fish

Fish has all the weapons to play well indoors, he’s aggressive and will try and take the ball early and press onto the front foot. That should translate to him doing well here but I think the hamstring injury that’s been bothering him for the last month or so is still present so he won’t be able to play at 100%. I’m sure he will be able to hang tough with most players for a set, but as soon as a match crosses into the 3 set territory his fitness could prove problematic.

Prediction: Round Robin Exit

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Roger’s Profile for the World Tour Finals