Although the AWTF is far from over yet, I'm already wondering just who is going to be in with the biggest show of winning the event, so here is some of my thoughts on the matter, and on each of the remaining players in the groups:
Tsonga - it has to be said that without a doubt that Tsonga has had a great season this year so far, having made the Wimbledon semis, defeating Federer in the process, and reaching the US Open quarter finals (but losing to Federer in that one!). And his match against Federer on the first day at the o2 was quite a good one, but he dropped the ball and serve at the crucial moment, so I don't know how his chances will stack up. But when he's on top of his game, he is very tough to beat, and right now he is on top of his game. Next up for Tsonga will be Rafa, does he stand a chance? Actually yes he does, because he beat Rafa back in June at Queens, and Rafa hasn't been a 100% at all this season, more like 60% there ever since losing at the US Open. But do I think Tsonga will win the title????? To be honest no, I think there are a couple of players in there that could definitely get past him, but then there is always a chance.
Berdych - Berdych has just won his first match against Janko Tipsarevic who filled in the for injured Andy Murray who pulled out of the tournament, so that will give him a much needed boost after suffering such a defeat at the hands of Djokovic in a very close match. Next up for Berdy will be David Ferrer, who plays Novak Djokovic later on, but what chance does he stand against Ferrer when they meet?? Welllll actually I'm surprised in a way to learn that Ferrer actually leads their head to head, 5-2, so it really will be a tough one to decide, based on that I'd have to go with Ferrer. But overall how does Berdy's chances stand???? Overall I'd say not too good, he's a contender and a dangerous player, but again he always falls that little bit short against the very top players.
Ferrer - without a doubt Ferrer is a really talented player, and probably one of the gutsiest fighters in the sport, who has incredible stamina and athletic prowess on court, and while he has no big weapons in his game, he knows how to punish players into playing long rallies and his return game is virtually second to none. So far Ferrer has beaten Andy Murray in his only match, and next up he has Berdych and he leads the head to head as stated above, but does he stand a chance of winning the ATPWTF??? Again no, because while he is a terrific player, he lacks the big serve, the weapons and ability to outfox the big three guys left in the draw. But..... tonight's match against Djokovic showed a different player altogether, as Ferrer took a lacklustre Djokovic apart in straight sets 6-3, 6-1, if he carries on like that there is no reason he can't get to the final.
Nadal - well last year I would have said that Rafa would have been the flat out favourite to win this event as he had such an incredible year, just like Djokovic has had this year. But that was last year, and this year Rafa has had to endure defeat many times, particularly at the hands of Novak Djokovic, who has beaten him six times in a row now, and if they were to meet in the final here, I'm positive it would number seven. Rafa who was once like a feral lion, is now like a neutered dog, who has lost his bite, and coming into this tournament he has played very poorly by his standards, narrowly avoiding defeat at the hands of the now out Mardy Fish, and getting crushed by Federer in his second match. But Rafa still stands a chance of staying in as he faces Tsonga next, and while it will be no easy match, if he can defeat Tsonga then it will give his confidence a big boost, so its way too soon to write him off yet, but to ask if I see him as the overall winner of the title, I'd really have to say no.
Djokovic - what can you saw about the Djokster???? He has had the year of his life on the tennis court and most very likely off the court as well in 2011. Three grand slams, five Masters titles, and wins in Dubai and Serbia, has seen Djokovic put on a winning streak that ranks as one of the most impressive in the modern era of the game. Earlier this year Djokovic was indomitable, however as the year has gone on after having played so many matches, fatigue and injury have caught up with him a bit, and his level had dropped a little somewhat. Regardless of his level Djokovic can still dish out the winners when he really needs them, and with an amazing win loss match record of 70-4 so far this year, is quite something in itself. So the question has to be asked, does he stand a chance to win the title and end his year's achievements in style????? Absolutely yes, but he will be most likely up against one man who will prove to be the sternest test in the event, and more on him in just a bit. But to dismiss Djokovic's chances would be insane, he is the current World No.1 and with very good reason, and if anyone knows how to win a match and overcome adversity, its this man.
However.... tonight, his match against David Ferrer was a real shocker, as Djokovic tonight played what was easily the worst match of his season, with Ferrer gubbing him in straight sets 6-3, 6-1, which marks his 5th defeat of the year. This again raises the question of Djokovic's fitness, and it looks like his possible shoulder injury has come back to haunt him, even Djokovic himself said in his post match press conference that he felt tired and drained, due to the long season he has had, and judging by this performance, its tough to see him come through, but then again it was just one match, maybe Djokovic will yet bounce back (no pun intended).
Federer - I left Federer to last because to be quite frank, he is the absolute favourite to win this title, after coming back into the game after taking time out last month, Federer has displayed some incredible tennis. Despite the occassional dip here and there, Federer's level of tennis has been quite extaordinary and he is currently stuff that belongs to his heyday back when he was unstoppable, and that's the way I see him in this tournament. The same as last year, Federer was utterly incredible at the o2 arena, in fact I think he only dropped one set against Rafa in the final, and in that final Federer taught the Spaniard a lesson in how to play. So this year he has done the same and then some, as he crushed Rafa in their match last night, putting on a masterclass display. But for my money, Federer is already the champion of the ATP World Tour Finals, he's saved his best for last and is peaking just at the right time. And if Djokovic can beat him then I'd be very impressed, he's about the only one who can, but it most likely will be the Swiss maestro who will use his Fed express powers to pick up that nifty trophy on Sunday.
So that's it for now, more posts to follow on this subject, oh and I will finally post up some entries that are nowt to do with tennis. Its long overdue!!
But toodly pipsky for now.
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