ATP Finals 2014

The last of the players have qualified, and we're now just a few days away from the last tournament of the year, the ATP World Tour Finals at the 02, London.

The top 8 to qualify are as follows;

1. Djokovic
2. Federer
3.Wawrinka
4. Nishikori
5. Murray
6. Berdych
7. Raonic
8. Cilic


There are a few new faces in the field this year, Nishikori, Raonic and Cilic.

As you know, Rafa withdrew due to his appendectomy, so this gave one extra spot to the 9th in the race.

David Ferrer narrowly missed out on a spot by losing to Nishikori in the QF of the Paris Masters, it is the first time in 5 years he has not completed the race to London.

This year we've had the breakthrough of Nishikori, Raonic and Cilic- who won the US Open. It's been an interesting year to watch, hopefully that will carry on in London.

The draw for the tournament sorts the players into two groups A and B.

GROUP A

Djokovic
Wawrinka
Berdych
Cilic


GROUP B

Federer
Murray
Raonic
Nishikori


Some may argue (including me) that it's one of the most uninteresting line ups we've seen for a while, with Rafa and David gone. It's a different situation with the new generation creeping in as we don't know if they're going to bring excitement or just make us miss Rafa and David even more…

What are your thoughts on the lineup?
Who will win the ATP World Tour Finals Title in 2014?


@rafanadaladdict

A Lot Is On the Line | Paris + Rankings

Today is quarterfinals day in Paris, and one of the last chances to grab hold of those crucial ranking points. The last masters tournament of the year leads to the ATP World Tour Finals. Players are desperately trying to grab hold of last minute ranking points to make it to London. The race is on.

Murray grasped hold of a spot in the top 8 by beating Grigor Dimitrov in the 3rd Round in a fantastic performance. Andy has had a great end to the season so far, winning in Vienna and Valencia. He will play Novak Djokovic in a battle to reach the semi finals.

David Ferrer wants a spot, but he must make the final of Paris to guarantee his place in London.

Milos Raonic is also very close, he is currently number 10 in the race, and must do better than David Ferrer in the tournament to overtake in the race. Beating Federer in the QF was a huge boost, lifting him higher in the race.

Due to Rafa's withdrawal, the top 9 will qualify, not the top 8. This gives the players further down the race a lifeline. The race is so incredibly close at the moment. You can keep track of the live race here: http://live-tennis.eu/race

The end of year number 1 spot is up for grabs. Djokovic and Federer are very close, 490 points apart. Federer has managed to rise up the rankings at the end of the year, helped by Rafa's huge loss of points due to absence. However, Federer's loss to Raonic sets him back further for reaching that top spot…

A title in Paris is now so important for Djokovic and end of year world number 1.

It's all about numbers at the end of the season. Lot's of matches are becoming so much more important, players want the win that little bit more, especially those who are trying to grab on to as many points as possible.

Who will make it to London? Who will end the year as number 1?

An exciting few days in Paris await…


@rafanadaladdict