World Tour Finals Thread - Match & Prediction Thread

[Guest]

First topic message reminder :

So the ATPs premier showpiece event hits the O2 on Sunday. The sixth showing at the O2 and yielded only 3 different winners. Very interesting this year. 3 virgin qualifiers in Cillic, Raonic and Nishikori. Can we see a new winner? Can Nishikori and Raonic win the biggest title of their careers to date? Federer will have an eye on the DC like his compatriot Wawrinka, though he is woefully out of form of late. Has Murray much left in the tank to win his first title here at the O2? Can Berdych do a Davydenko and strike out of nowhere? Will it be a routine Djokovic victory?

For me the 2 that qualify from each group will be:

Group A

1) Djokovic
2) Raonic

Group B

1) Murray
2) Federer

Djokovic/Murray final

Winner: Djokovic

[Haddie-nuff]

There's just something about that sleeve that bothers me!

It will be bothering HIM if he continues to wear it at the AO

[Guest]

If I was Ljubicic I would throttle Milos with that sleeve!

[Haddie-nuff]

I just hope that it doesn't become the fashion and we have players with one stocking

[Guest]

Can't say I was blown away with the match. Glad to see Murray winning. What was Raonic thinking at 0-30 twice and what on earth was he doing coming in on a Murray BH! You know it's going to be a low ball! Today's players are garbage at the net!

[slashermcguirk]

What an awful match, never seen a match so riddled with unforced errors. Raonic is just so hit and miss, his mental approach is shocking. Trying to hit winners from every position when it's clearly not on. Fair play Murray though.

What happens if federer beats Murray but raonic beats nishikori??

[Guest]

What is Greg talking about??? Federer under more pressure going into Thursday??

Total t0sser!

[Guest]

That was touching.

BB it's your fav song on!

[slashermcguirk]

Rusedski really is Krusty the clown! These presentations are cringeworthy, you can tell Murray wants out of there

[Mad for Chelsea]

What happens if federer beats Murray but raonic beats nishikori??

All three tied on one win. Goes down to sets won/lost (Raonic needs to win in straights and Murray to lose in straights to have any chance), then direct two players are tied on sets (I think?): say both win in three, then Murray and Nishi are tied on sets won/lost, so it goes to direct results and Nishikori goes through.

Loads of permutations again, obviously. Murray could win in straight sets and still go out (if it's tight and Nishikori wins very easily). I will basically be cheering on Raonic on Thursday (for once): if Raonic wins in straights Murray only needs a set. If Nishikori wins Murray needs a straight sets win (I think).

[slashermcguirk]

Thanks, you carried out those calculations out pretty quick :-)

[Guest]

Got to love Greg. Advising Murray to go after Federer in the press conference. Worked wonders for you Greg at the US Open in 2002!

[Danny_1982]

If Raonic wins in straights, Murray only needs a set?

With Nish's wrist problem, there's a chance of that. In fact it's Andy's best chance. Can't see him beating Fed. Tonight was ok, but let's be honest... Andy looks a shadow of the man of 18 months to 2 years ago.

[Guest]

Thing is Danny he is going to need more than 4 winners to defeat Federer.

[Mad for Chelsea]

so, permutations in this group:

1) Nishikori beats Raonic in three sets. Murray goes through alongside Federer if he beats Federer in straight sets (in this case Murray tops the group). Any other result sees Nishikori go through second to Federer.

2) Nishikori beats Raonic in straight sets. If Murray wins in straight sets it gets messy (down to games won/lost: Murray currently +1 in games difference, Federer +13, Nishikori -3). Any other result sees Nishikori go through second to Federer.

3) Raonic wins in three sets. If Murray wins he tops the group, Federer second. If Murray loses Nishikori goes through second to Federer.

4) Raonic wins in straight sets. If Murray wins he tops the group, Federer second. If Murray wins a set he goes through second to Federer. If Murray loses in straight sets it gets messy again (games won/lost: Raonic currently -11).

[Mad for Chelsea]

PS: explained what happened by putting the Raonic/Nishikori match first as I expect that to be the order in which they are played...

[LuvSports!]

Allez Feds & Nishi!

[Jahu]

CC, good trip

Others abusing lingerie in my name, better state your intentions!!

Good win for Andy

[CaledonianCraig]

Cheers Jahu. Never saw it but by all accounts not Andy anywhere near his best. Still he won I suppose.

[laverfan]

Murray got it done, a bit shaky, but end results are good.

[socal1976]

Federer and Djoko battling out for number #1 does make it interesting although this tournament really does miss Rafa. Some of the performances turned in so far from the top 8 guys have been dismal. Although I think Fed v. Murray and Stan v. Novak will spice things up.

[MrInvisible]

I also think this tournament is missing Ferrer. Ferrer has done well in this tournament, reaching final once and making his opponents work hard in the group matches. The capitulations in this tournament so far have been embarrassing. I am reasonable hopeful though that this moribund tournament will finally come alive this evening with the Djokovic v Wawrinka match.

[sirfredperry]

The irony is that what has been arguably the hardest-fought battle to reach the O2 has been followed by a series of fairly limp, one-sided matches.
Fed reckons the court is slow. But surely that should have led to some close-fought encounters.
I guess the earlier dross will be forgotten if we get two or three crackerjack matches from now on.

[Jahu]

Nicely said Sir, most fought crazy to come to O2, and so far it all seems seem to be for the London Attractions and the dosh.

Let's hope Stan can inject some swiss precision into Djoko tonight, and make this WTF a bit better.

[Guest]

The irony is that what has been arguably the hardest-fought battle to reach the O2 has been followed by a series of fairly limp, one-sided matches.
  Fed reckons the court is slow. But surely that should have led to some close-fought encounters.
  I guess the earlier dross will be forgotten if we get two or three  crackerjack matches from now on.

Ironic really that Andy said the court was fast after his defeat to Nishikori!

[Jahu]

When you win, even the Peugeot seems a nice car.

Andy talking out of his bum.

[Silver]

Not quite sure who Mr. Murray thinks he's fooling there...

Federer and Djoko battling out for number #1 does make it interesting although this tournament really does miss Rafa. Some of the performances turned in so far from the top 8 guys have been dismal. Although I think Fed v. Murray and Stan v. Novak will spice things up.

Dismal is right. I can't remember a worse WTF than this in recent years. As you say hopefully the blockbuster RR matches and beyond will improve the standard!

The YE#1 race could be essentially finished today. There's no way Berdych is beating Novak, so if Stan can't do the job either then...

[Calder106]

The irony is that what has been arguably the hardest-fought battle to reach the O2 has been followed by a series of fairly limp, one-sided matches.
  Fed reckons the court is slow. But surely that should have led to some close-fought encounters.
  I guess the earlier dross will be forgotten if we get two or three  crackerjack matches from now on.

Ironic really that Andy said the court was fast after his defeat to Nishikori!

Not sure he actually said that. What I read was Murray felt the conditions were faster during the match and with a full stadium of people than when he practiced earlier in the week. "It's obviously warmer [with a full crowd], which then makes it quicker, the ball becomes a bit more lively," he said.

[socal1976]

Not quite sure who Mr. Murray thinks he's fooling there...

Federer and Djoko battling out for number #1 does make it interesting although this tournament really does miss Rafa. Some of the performances turned in so far from the top 8 guys have been dismal. Although I think Fed v. Murray and Stan v. Novak will spice things up.

Dismal is right. I can't remember a worse WTF than this in recent years. As you say hopefully the blockbuster RR matches and beyond will improve the standard!

The YE#1 race could be essentially finished today. There's no way Berdych is beating Novak, so if Stan can't do the job either then...

Yes so far it has been poor, I think Nadal not being there has hurt the overall quality of the event for certain. But yet the juicy matchups are really just getting started the first two days were pretty atrocious. I really would like to see the last match go back to five sets like it used to be I mean the guys just have to finish that match it isn't like they have a tournament next week or anything. How great would the Djoko v. Fed final be if Roger could have a chance to comeback.

[Guest]

It's only Federer, Djokovic and Wawrinka who have really put in any kind of performance that warrants any merit.

The rest. Pffffttttt.

Hopefully Stan and Novak put on a clinic tonight.

[temporary21]

The opening match is cilic berdych right? Well Djoko Stan better be good then cos that first one looks like an out of form fest

[dummy_half]

Back to the Federer et al group

if I understand things properly, mathematically, Federer could still fail to qualify if he loses in straight sets to Andy and Nishi beats Raonic in straight sets provided there is a big enough swing in games won. Fed at +13 and Andy at +1, Nishi at -3, so a Murray 6-3 6-3 win would put them level at +7 games. Nishi would need a really thumping win over Raonic to overcome the deficit. With the case above, Nishi winning 6-1 6-1 would be interesting because it would put all three on the same 2 wins, 4 sets won to 2 lost and +7 games difference.

Implausible, and if it happens I think the match fixing enquiries would be needed

[CaledonianCraig]

I can't see either happening dummy half. If Andy can somehow muster a win from his inconsistency it will be in three sets and cannot see Nishikori steam-rollering Raonic given how tough his serve is to break and that Nishi seems troubled with a wrist injury.

[It Must Be Love]

Nadal is at the o2, and is going to watch Djokovic Wawrinka today.

[temporary21]

Uh oh Ive just got in and seen the score. Has the tennis been any good?

[It Must Be Love]

Uh oh Ive just got in and seen the score. Has the tennis been any good?

Berdych has really upped his game well, Cillic all over the place.

[It Must Be Love]

Oh no, ffs, not again.

Don't drink it Bautista Agut, it's probably poisonous.

[It Must Be Love]

Absolute money back guarantee that 95% of the crowd have no clue who Bautista Agut is.

[hawkeye]

Nadal is at the o2, and is going to watch Djokovic Wawrinka today.

Yes here he is signing tennis balls. He was asked who he thought was the favorite for the WTF. Can you see in the backround Rogers chilling in an ice bucket?

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=649715825149264

[Jahu]

Rafa the GOAT!

Chill people, we have a thread for it

[Silver]

Yes so far it has been poor, I think Nadal not being there has hurt the overall quality of the event for certain. But yet the juicy matchups are really just getting started the first two days were pretty atrocious. I really would like to see the last match go back to five sets like it used to be I mean the guys just have to finish that match it isn't like they have a tournament next week or anything. How great would the Djoko v. Fed final be if Roger could have a chance to comeback.

That'd be so great. I barely even care who wins when they play, I just love watching the standard of tennis they always seem to produce. That 2012 final was out of this world, if they can reproduce that again - imagine five sets of it! It would be nice to see that return for the last match of the season, it'd be fitting.

I do wish Nadal was playing it's telling that only the top three seeds have brought any sort of form thus far, I'm sure Rafa would've made it four. Ferrer's tenacity also missed.

[greengoblin]

Whose bright idea was it to have such a slow playing surface for this tournament? Every single year it has been in London we get the same tedious, poor quality matches.

For all of sue barker and co lamenting it may move venue, I for one will be glad when it goes.

[temporary21]

I think its the cold. Iv been to the O2 arena a few times and its freezing! Cold conditions lead to a very slow court. I actually dont like the atmosphere in general there, the crowds too far away and it feels a bit "detached" somehow. The lack of winners is very likely something to do with that.

[It Must Be Love]

Whose bright idea was it to have such a slow playing surface for this tournament? Every single year it has been in London we get the same tedious, poor quality matches.

For all of sue barker and co lamenting it may move venue, I for one will be glad when it goes.

Federer Djokovic in 2012 was a great match, and last year we had some cracking contests (Fed vs Djoko going to 3 sets and Fed beating Del Potro in 3 sets too).
This year the quality has been poor though, don't think faster surfaces would have helped keep it more competitive.

[Guest]

I actually think London might keep hold of it beyond 2015. Sad as it sounds. I think if the Middle East stumps up the cash, they could steal it.

[laverfan]

Dubai is a good candidate for the WTF. LatAm would be another choice.

Will Africa ever get it, I hope so, and to see it in next 15-20 years, if I am still around then.

[Guest]

Tax free on winnings and duty free, be great for Dubai and the players.

Would the ATP be bold enough to hold it in South America or Africa

[LuvSports!]

Dubai is a good candidate for the WTF. LatAm would be another choice.

Will Africa ever get it, I hope so, and to see it in next 15-20 years, if I am still around then.

I know I don't know you LF, but please don't say that! Old soppy bollock me hates that stuff!

[Guest]

Just hope this match lights up what has been an underwhelming tournament.

[Jahu]

Come on Stannnn, demolish his Peugeot.

[Guest]

A lovely set of stats for Murdoch courtesy of Petchy.

Djokovic 28 match streak on indoor courts. 18 top 10 wins. 107 breaks of serve and 60% points won an the opponent second serve. On 23 set winning streak starting back against Gasquet at Paris 2013. Last loss to Querrey at Paris 2012!

Ridiculous!

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