We made it! The exhaustive, but thrilling, season reaches it’s climax in England’s capital.
Andy Murray is missing this year after his surgery, so this has allowed Richard Gasquet to sneak into the field for the first time since 2007. Stan Wawrinka makes his debut and is the first time that 2 Swiss players have made the finals.
Gasquet landed in the arguably tougher Group B alongside Djokovic, Federer and Del Potro. I’d be surprised if he survived. Rafa should have few worries in Group A, but the battles between Wawrinka, Berdych and Ferrer should be compelling. I’ll pick Berdych to join Nadal in the semi finals.
Federer is finding some form finally and loves this event. If he can survive his group of death, a potential match up with Rafa is on the cards. If he can’t do it here, he can’t do it anywhere.
Let’s break it down:
ATP Level: 1500
Surface: Indoor Hard
Defending Champion: Novak Djokovic – Unlikely to finish #1 in the year end rankings, so will want to finish with a flourish with his 3rd title here.
Slumping: Tomas Berdych – Remarkably no titles this year for the big T-Berd. A big ask to win his first here. Should qualify for the semi-finals though.
On Fire: Roger Federer – Has a spring in his step over the last 2 weeks so perhaps a 7th title is not so far-fetched?
Outside Shot: Juan Martin Del Potro – Should he qualify in the hardest group, could sneak the title from Rafa with a break.
My pick: Rafael Nadal – He has never won this tournament and I don’t think this will last. 2013 has been a banner year.
GROUP A
Rafael Nadal
David Ferrer
Tomas Berdych
Stanislas Wawrinka
GROUP B
Novak Djokovic
Juan Martin del Potro
Roger Federer
Richard Gasquet
Did You Know? The singles champion will be presented The Brad Drewett Trophy, in memory of the ATP Executive Chairman and President who passed away on 3 May 2013.
Watch: ATP World Tour Uncovered – London Tension
Thanks for reading and come back again sometime!