Since Saturday 12th November the world’s current leading male tennis players have been battling it out at London’s 02 Arena in a bid to win the ATP title, and a substantial cash prize. Throughout the year the top ranking players have competed to gain Emirates ATP Rankings points; those top 8 single players who finished the season with the most points, gained an automatic one-way ticket to the Nitto ATP Finals. This year, those players were:

Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer
Alexander Zverev
Dominic Thiem
Grigor Dimitrov
Marin Cilic
David Goffin
Jack Sock

Credit: Nitto ATP Finals

Following a persistent hip injury, Britain’s much loved tennis champion Andy Murray did not qualify for this years Finals. The Brit has not played a tour –level match since losing to Sam Querrey in the Wimbledon quarterfinals in July, and as a result, the former world number one has dropped to No.16, a position he has not placed since 2008. However, prior to the tournament’s first day, Murray was spotted taking to the hard surface to train with the young Austrian, Dominic Thiem. Although Murray’s performance verified he was still recovering from his injury, the star has demonstrated that, come next season, he will be back ready to start the fight to become number one once again.

Another favourite missing this year’s tournament is Novak Djokovic, following an elbow injury, which cut his time at Wimbledon short and brought his season to a swift end. However like Murray, Djokovic, who is currently placed at world No.12, has reassured his loyal following that he is hoping to come back fighting in the New Year.

Credit: Paul Childs/ REUTERS – Andy Murray                                   Credit: Tennishead.net – Novak Djokovic

A quick summary of the action highlights so far…

Last weekend, the current world No.2 Roger Federer, made an impressive entrance by defeating American, Jack Sock (6-4, 7-6). Later that day, the twenty-year-old German, Alexander Zverev captivated the arenas crowds with his impressive debut performance against Marin Cilic. However, the rising tennis star was no match for the world’s former No.1, Roger Federer who only just clinched Tuesday’s match at (7-6, 5-7, 6-1). The biggest shock so far was the retirement of Rafael Nadal who, following a defeat in his opening match against David Goffin, has chosen to pull out of the tournament because of an ongoing knee injury. Unlike Murray and Djokovic, who are both on the road to recovery after taking a break from competing four months ago, Nadal continued to ride the season out, leaving his worrying fans questioning whether the chances of a strong start next season is possible for the Spaniard.

Credit: Nitto ATP

So far, Federer is yet to lose a game, making him the bookies favourite to win, something the Swiss tennis star has been unable to do since 2011. However, yesterday Grigor Dimitrov thrashed Goffin (6-0, 6-2), and secured his place at the semi-finals against the Swiss legend, increasing the Bulgarians chances of achieving a tournament victory. Alternate Pablo Carreno Busta was called to participate earlier this week to replace Nadal following his swift departure from the tournament. Carreno Busta hasn’t had the easiest of starts after losing his first match to Grigor Dimitrov, who seems to be growing stronger and stronger as the competition intensifies, however the Spaniard is clearly not going to go down without a fight.

The Nitto ATP Finals is not like any other tennis tournament, the competitors are purposefully chosen because of their skill, agility and endurance, so spectators can expect to see nothing less than a strong and determined performance from all participants. The semi-finals are without doubt, going to be an intense and dramatic fight until the very end, so make sure you catch the men’s singles and doubles semi-finals on Saturday 18th November, and the grand finale the following day on Sunday 19th November.

For a closer look at the Nitto ATP Finals schedule click here.