Barclays ATP World Tour Finals : Preview

The stage is set. O2 arena will witness some non-stop tennis action as the top 8 players of the year will face off against each other in the grand finale of the tennis season. Barclays ATP World Tour will kick off tomorrow, with the two round robin matches.

First, let us take a look at the players in each group :

Group A: Rafa Nadal, David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych, Stanislas Wawrinka.

Group B: Novak Djokovic, Juan Martin del Potro, Roger Federer, Richard Gasquet.

Group A :

1. Rafael Nadal :
Win-Loss Record(2013) : 68-5
Rafa Nadal sported one of the greatest comebacks in the history of tennis, as he recovered from his long-standing leg problem to win 10 titles, including 2 Grand slams and 5 masters series titles. His recovery has been amazing, and whats more, his performance in hard courts this year has been amazing. The very fact that his first hard court loss came at Beijing, that too at the hands of Djokovic, justifies his current form. Though he has been title-less since the US Open victory, his performance have been above par, nevertheless.

As far as his performance in WTF is concerned, it can be described in one word- disappointing. The one title which eludes him, the indoor hard court is exactly the reason as to why he could not win this title. His indoor record has been dismayal, and his last indoor title was 8 years back. But that doesn’t deny him from being one of the favourites, and he would like to go one step beyond his run to final in 2010, where he lost to Roger Federer.

2. David Ferrer :
Win-Loss Record (2013) : 56-20

The old war-horse has been one of the most consistent performers of the year, reaching the quarterfinals of all the four grand slams this year. Though he has been criticized for not being a threat for the big four, his straight set victory against Nadal yesterday will definitely raise some eyebrows.

Though he is predominantly a clay specialist, his performance in indoor hard courts have been impressive. He is the defending champion at the Paris masters, and he can defend his title if he defeats Djokovic in the finals. His performance in the WTF have been reasonable, with 1 final and semi- final appearance each. With both Djokovic and Federer in other group, Ferrer has a comparitively easier draw, and his semi-final chances can be considered reasonable.

3. Thomas Berdych :
Win - Loss Record (2013) : 50-21

The Cezh has come up with an another consistent year, with an impressive win-loss record. Though he has not won any titles, his performance at the grand- slams and Masters series have ensured his 4th consecutive appearance.

Armoured with a big serve, his performance in hard-courts are the best. Thus it would be un-fair to rule out his chances at the WTF, as he has constantly threatened the big-four in grand slams and other tournaments alike in recent times.

4. Stanislas Wawrinka :

Win-Loss Record (2013) : 47-20

The swiss was definitely at the prime of his form this year, conjuring consistent performances throughout the year at the grand slams. Though he has won only one title this year, he has consistently reached the quarters and semis of various tournaments.

His best performance of the year has come up at the US Open, where he reached the semi finals, beating the defending champ Andy Murray on the way. He even stretched Djokovic to 5 sets, which was one of the best matches of the tournament.

Though it would be his debut at the WTF this year, his powerful backhand and never-say-die attitude will be his weapons to progress ahead in the tournament.

Group B :

Novak Djokovic :

Win-Loss Record (2013) : 62-9

If not for a possible resurgence from Nadal, Novak could have completed the "Grand Slam", and possibly ended the year with 8 grand slams. But, as faith had it for him, he turned out to be the second best of the year, with Nadal being his thorn quite a few times.

But yet, the cosistency and ruthlessness of his performance has remained the same. While he has dominated most of his opponents, he has avoided some close shaves with some awe-inspiring determined performances.

His ability to comeback is his greatest strength, and his mental toughness is barely matched by anyone on the circuit. Also, being the defending champion here, he has the ability and form to retain his title, and also, an outside chance to regain his No1 ranking.

Juan Martin Del Potro :

Win- Loss Record (2013) : 48-13

The man with a big forehand is back to his best. After losing out most of the 2010 to a freakish wrist injury, his comeback has been amazing, and he has been a constant threat to the top players in the circuit.

With 4 ATP 500 titles this year, he has showed why people should fear him. His semi-final against Djokovic was possibly the best match of the year, with Djokovic prevailing only by a whisker.

The 2009 finalist had a slight mental jerk, after he lost his belongings in the train to London. But hopefully, he will not let it affect his performance. Also, his serve has been his achillies heel, and it is outrageous for anyone to expect it to improve immediately, but it could prove decisive in the WTF.

Roger Federer :

Win-Loss Record (2013) : 40-14

Possibly a very modest year for the Swiss maestro, yet even his worst year could not prevent his participation in the WTF.

Winning only one single title, he has been a shadow of himself. He might not be a threat as he was before, but he cannot be under-mined in the indoor-hardcourts, where he has been absolutely dominating. With 6 WTF titles, he has won it more times than anyone else, and that should provide ample amount of confidence.

He does have a tough draw, but he will have gained some confidence from his performance at the Paris masters, and would like to give his best in the season-ending tournament.

Richard Gasquet :

Win-Loss Record (2013) : 48-19

He can be considered as a lucky loser, as his selection was possible only because of withdrawal of Andy Murray. But Gasquet had an impressive year nevertheless, with some good performance to justify his talent.

He won 3 titles this year. His best performance was possibly his semi-final run to the US Open, where he was defeated by Rafa.

Having once played here in 2007, it has been a long time. But his excellent backhand could prove the decisive factor any day, and no one can under-mine his performance.

Group B definitely seems more toughet.But it will be hard to even predict the semi-finalists, leave alone the winner.  Such is the competition and unpredictability of the tournament. Yet, only thing which can be guaranteed is a week full of excellent tennis, and whosoever wins it, will be the best among the best.