London Calling
So we’re down to the best eight singles players and best eight doubles teams of the year.
The O2 Arena in London is the setting and it’s been a great success so far. The last 3 singles places have been the most interesting race to have watched with the first 5 places been locked down for a while.
Federer goes for a record tying 6th title, but Djokovic and Murray will be clear favorites. The round robin format can throw up mixed results but a loss at the group stage can be absorbed. Nadal has not played much tennis of late, so he may have hard time containing the power of the other players in his tough group (including Roger), but no one should ever write off Rafa.
Roger comes in on a hot streak indoors and must sniff an opportunity to take advantage of the Big 3′s late season vulnerabilities. Murray poses the biggest threat perhaps to everyone and will be looking to avenge his Paris loss to Berdych in group A.
Janko Tipsarevic is the 1st alternate and may get to play based on Mardy Fish‘s injury. Tsonga and Berdych are my dangermen if the Big 4 falter. It should be exciting.
Let’s break it down:
Surface: Indoor Hard
Top 8: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray, Roger Federer, David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych
Defending Champion: Roger Federer
Dark Horse: Tomas Berdych
My pick: Roger Federer
Watch: ATP World Tour Uncovered – Barclays ATP World Tour Finals
Watch: Finals Contenders
Thanks for reading and that’s a wrap for this year in 2011. What a season and see you all in January!
