A season that produced the biggest shake-up in men’s tennis for more than a decade draws to a close this week with three ATP World Tour Finals debutants striving to sign off breakthrough years with a large exclamation mark.
US Open champion Marin Cilic, the man he beat in New York Kei Nishikori and Milos Raonic, the fresh-faced Canadian with dynamite in his serving arm, will all add plenty to the mix at the glitzy season-ender now in its sixth year of residence at London’s eye-catching O2 Arena.
However, three of the world’s established “big four” will be only too happy to slap down the young upstarts.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic is seeking a third consecutive title alongside the River Thames, one that would seal the world number one ranking and complete a memorable year for the 27-year-old who recently became a father for the first time.
Roger Federer, at 33 the oldest player in the eight-man event, is targeting a seventh title at the ATP’s blue riband tournament, and few would bet against the majestic 17-times grand slam champion achieving it.
Andy Murray, who produced a dazzling late surge to qualify for London with three titles in his last six tournaments, will also be hungry to launch himself into next year with a first ATP World Tour Finals crown.
And why not? After all, it has been a year of firsts.
“You know, there was Stan’s (Wawrinka’s) first slam, Cilic’s first slam, Nishikori his first final, Raonic in the semis at Wimbledon,” the Scot said.
“The young guys have improved but they are up against some of the best players of all time so regardless of how much they have improved it’s not going to be that easy to knock them off.”
Murray will open the tournament today against Japan’s Nishikori with Federer and Raonic, the other two members of Group B, facing off later.
Djokovic, unbeaten in 27 indoor matches, begins his Group A challenge tomorrow against Cilic after Wawrinka takes on O2 Arena regular Tomas Berdych, of the Czech Republic.
A $1.9 million cheque is up for grabs for an undefeated champion in London.
Federation Cup
• Lucie Safarova downed Germany’s Angelique Kerber 6-4 6-4 in the Fed Cup final yesterday to move the Czech Republic one win away from the title.
The Czech team, playing in front of its home fans in Prague, claimed both opening matches yesterday to lead 2-0 after Petra Kvitova had given them a flying start with a 6-2 6-4 win over Andrea Petkovic.
It put the hosts tantalisingly close to a third victory in the Fed Cup in the last four seasons.