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Who will win the ATP finals?

It's been quite the turnaround this year for Novak Djokovic. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
Roar Guru
11th November, 2016
2

With under two days to go until one of the most sought after trophies in tennis, here is a profile of each of the candidates.

Novak Djokovic
The reigning champion and five-time winner will loom as a favourite once more. Many have speculated that fatigue has caught up with him and he is past the invincibility he once had.

It is hard to forget 2016 still yielded seven titles (his most recent in July) and, of his 76 matches, only lost match point eight times.

Djokovic rates as the best player in pressure situations in 2016 due to his evergreen fitness and power. His average groundstroke speed has increased 3 km/h on average in 2016 while is volleys have looked more attacking.

2016 looms as a possible record-equalling year for Novak, with the only question being whether he will win or lose.

Best previous result- Winner (2008, 2012-15)
Head to head with fellow finalists 92-18
Predicted Result- Runner-Up

Andy Murray
The newly crowned world number one will be vying to win his maiden ATP Final and will be in unfamiliar territory as he comes in as favourite after claiming seven titles and the Olympic Gold medal.

Although not the most entertaining player to watch, his remarkable consistency and ability to stay in the rally along with an ability to capitalise on small openings in games and matches ensures he usually leaves victorious.

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Has his best season yet burned him out with the amount of tennis or will he triumph in one of the most prestigious stages of all?

Best previous result Semi Final (2008, 2010, 2012)
Head to head with fellow finalists 51-41
Predicted result- Winner

Stan Wawrinka
2016 saw Wawrinka continue his slam-a-year streak winning the U.S open, rising as the tournament went on.

His booming one handed backhand has always been the trademark of his game but his consistency with the big shots has long been an issue.

In saying that, this season, his groundstrokes have retained their power while also becoming more consistent.

A slight downside to his tennis is that he often defends a return of serve into play when he has the firepower to whip it.

When at his best though this is no such concern. 2016 saw him win four titles in total, adding to his 11 titles but also saw him break his remarkable run of 11 consecutive finals wins.

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Head to Head with fellow finalists 34-36
Best previous result- Semi Final (2013-15)
Predicted result- Semi Finalist

Milos Raonic
The Wimbledon finalist has enjoyed a mini comeback year in 2016 after a back injury saw him drop to 14th.

His dedication was made evident at Wimbledon when he debatably sought advice from John McEnroe.

His volleying has improved strikingly and when paired with his physique and booming serve, make him someone you don’t want find yourself at the other end of the court against.

A wrist injury kept him from competing in Paris two weeks ago so will it be on is mind? He has shown throughout his career he can match it with his superiors but will he be able to do so when it counts?

Best previous result 2014 (round robin)
Head to head with fellow finalists 10-28
Predicted result- Round Robin

Kei Nishikori
The Japanese tennis ace continues to lurk in the top handful of players, often going unnoticed.

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Amazingly, despite some impressive wins in 2016 (none better than his epic five setter in the U.S Quarter final v Andy Murray), he has only managed to add two more trophies to his cabinet, one of which was the Olympic bronze, so no ranking points.

A flat hitter of the ball, Kei has arguably the best two handed backhand in the game, taking the ball well out in front, capable of slapping it low and hard or generate an incredible amount of topspin.

He also has the adroitness to defend his way into winning positions. Although not coming off his most prolific season, his perennial presence will never be taken lightly.

Best previous result- Semi Final (2014)
Head to head with Fellow finalists 23-28
Predicted result Round Robin

Gael Monfils
The flashy Frenchman has knuckled down this year using his prodigious talent more for winning matches than showing off (though his zest hasn’t been completely absent) with the help of new coach Mikael Tillstrom.

His best ever tournament win came this year winning Washington, an ATP 500 tournament, though this was his solitary tournament win.

Gael is a dangerous player to come up against due to the power and spin he applies to his shots.

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His serves are indifferent while his volleys and speed around the court remain assets of his game.

The fact that we can now safely say that we are past the time where he would forget about the context of the match and just play fanciful shots, mean he doesn’t give away free points.

As such, he should be considered a smokey at his maiden World Tor finals event

ATP World Tour Final debut
Head to Head with fellow finalists 9-25
Predicted result- Semi Finalist

Marin Cilic
The tall Croat plays well in pressure situations within matches saving the most match points this season and also a very prolific saver of break points.

This owes to the fact that he backs his game almost as much as anyone on tour. He had a solid season in 2016 claiming one title but it is worth noting that his record against top 20 players is alarming.

His firm groundstrokes back up his booming serves well but does he have it in him to win the event?

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Best previous result Round Robin (2014)
Head to head with fellow finalists- 12-46
Predicted result- Round Robin

Dominic Thiem
One year ago, Thiem saw it as a dream to ever qualify for the ATP Finals. One year later, the 23-year-old Austrian will be making his debut among his inspirations.

His breakthrough year this year saw him win 58 matches, equal third and claimed four titles, on different surfaces.

His consistency throughout the year drew praise from his fellow top tenners, even if he struggled to finish off as well.

Thiem has been widely predicted as a future world number one and after, last year getting too caught up in the commotion, this year he has executed.

He is yet another player in the top eight with a booming backhand but unlike some, his backhands have elegance. He also has great feel and racquet head control. Despite only scraping in through a Rafa Nadal injury, his best is as good as anyone’s and should be reckoned with.

ATP World Tour Final Debut
Head to Head results with fellow finalists- 3-10
Predicted Result- Round Robin

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