Last 8 in Paris are the 8 going to the world tour finals

[Fieldclan6]

Brushed, how can u say your glad Murray ain't playing coz he ain't among the best? Mate he won 2 slams and Olympic gold past year he is a top 3 player without a shadow of a doubt his record speaks foritself

[BrushedBigJJ]

Interesting or redundant? I like to see the best guys play, and minus Andy Murray we are getting that.

I guess I said it weird, but I meant all the top players are there except Murray because of injury. I'm not a Murray hater, but there are a few on these forums.

[Corbon]

Well, actually ATP Finals are not the only tournament that drops the points of the previous year before the tournament itself starts.
Or better, points drop exactly 52 weeks later. This means if a tournament get a change in the year calendar, it can drop its points before (or after) its beginning.

Anyway, even if Djokovic finds a way to end 2013 at number one, I think this "victory" won't last, cause in Australia he will defend 2000 points, and Nadal (obviously, again) 0.
I think that Nadal will end 2013 as world number 1, and he will increase his advantage on Djokovic in Melbourne.

In 2014, he will have only one tournament to earn a lot of point. Of course, I'm talking about Wimbledon.
Considering that Rafa won't lose too much points during the clay courts season, I think his rank will be in danger only after Wimbledon.

Agree with almost everything but keep in mind that Nole has also played some sub-par tournaments in the early half of the year, namely Indian Wells (SF), Miami (R16) Madrid (R32) and Rome (QF). There's still plenty of room for collecting points. Nadal's big points didn't arrive until Indian Wells (though he skipped MIami). I actually think that the French Open can be a No. 1 decider.

[BrushedBigJJ]

Well, actually ATP Finals are not the only tournament that drops the points of the previous year before the tournament itself starts.
Or better, points drop exactly 52 weeks later. This means if a tournament get a change in the year calendar, it can drop its points before (or after) its beginning.

That's a pretty big technicality, but yes if a tournament is moved that would happen. You can find technicalities everywhere, the world tour finals is the only one that does it year after year.

I think that Nadal will end 2013 as world number 1, and he will increase his advantage on Djokovic in Melbourne.

You're really going out on a limb there, are you sure you want to stand by that bold prediction

In 2014, he will have only one tournament to earn a lot of point. Of course, I'm talking about Wimbledon.
Considering that Rafa won't lose too much points during the clay courts season, I think his rank will be in danger only after Wimbledon.

If rafa wins world tour finals and/or australia thats probably true but if novak defends those points rafa could lose it before Wimbeldon. Of course he would probably take it back right after Wimbeldon.
There are 2 sections where if rafa slips his #1 ranking is in jeopardy: after Australia but before Wimbeldon, and after Wimbeldon to the US open.

[ICEMAN_9588]

You're really going out on a limb there, are you sure you want to stand by that bold prediction

Absolutely sure. I said "I think Rafa will stay number one". It's not certain yet, but it's hard for me to imagine Nadal losing against Ferrer, Wawrinka AND Berdych.
He can lose one of those matches, maybe he won't make it for the semis, but losing all round robin games? Unlikely.

If rafa wins world tour finals and/or australia thats probably true but if novak defends those points rafa could lose it before Wimbeldon. Of course he would probably take it back right after Wimbeldon.
There are 2 sections where if rafa slips his #1 ranking is in jeopardy: after Australia but before Wimbeldon, and after Wimbeldon to the US open.

Yes, of course Djokovic can take number 1 back if he defends all the point (or a big part of them) in London and Melbourne.
After Australia (and until Wimbledon) Nadal will have to defend 7000 points, Djokovic "only" 2360.
But I have a strong belief that Nadal won't lose too much point on clay (and anyway, he could even decide to play Miami).
On the other hand, I think he won't be able to defend all his summer victories in Canada, Cincy and New York.

[Florian]

Now i've seen Ferrer playing at such level this week I think Nadal has good chances to lose to Ferrer and probably either Berdych or less likely Wawrinka. Certainly not both since the rank 1 is on the line.

For the rest Nole's confidence seems to be so boosted last weeks, he never gets tired either so he's my favourite, unless Delpo and Fed can step up again and show him the exit in RR ^^

One thing to notice is Paris was probably the fastest surface of all indoor season, since London bounces higher and is a bit slower it might not help Fed to s&v like he did so successfully in Paris.

[BrushedBigJJ]

You're really going out on a limb there, are you sure you want to stand by that bold prediction

Absolutely sure. I said "I think Rafa will stay number one". It's not certain yet, but it's hard for me to imagine Nadal losing against Ferrer, Wawrinka AND Berdych.
He can lose one of those matches, maybe he won't make it for the semis, but losing all round robin games? Unlikely.

I don't know...this is a very dangerous prediction you are making. There is still time to change your mind. I mean how likely is it for a healthy rafa to go 0-3 and Novak to go 5-0 in the same week of tennis?
The safer prediction is that Gasquet will go 5-0 and Novak will be 0-3.

[ICEMAN_9588]

Technical issues apart, you have to think about what's on the line too.
Not only the number 1 but, above all, the chance to win the Finals.

Which is the only big title Rafa has never won yet. In London we'll see a more motivated player than Bercy.
Don't get me wrong, Djokovic is my favourite for the title win, but Nadal will win at least one match, in my opinion.

[R0CK GAMER]

@ brushedbigjj and ICEMAN_9588 im going to make a prediction RIGHT NOW!!! djokovic will win world tour finals!
thats my prediction and im standing by that

[ICEMAN_9588]

You took a big risk XD

[Florian]

Nadal had to be motivated in Bercy as well, he could take his 6th master 1000 (record for those who don't count WTF as a master...) and it's also a tournament he's never won. My guess is that despite the very tough draw this year (compared to last year f.ex) it was probably his last chance to take it, considering his form in 2013.

[Ali-Iqb93]

Federer for the win

[JohnCurveo]

50% Nadal 38% Djokovic. And 12% chances for the others, let's see if Federer can bring some battle.

[Ali-Iqb93]

Too many unforced errors from fed's side.. Shouldn't have missed that forehand on break point 4-4

[Corbon]

It really looks like he can't play 100% anymore from set 3 onward.

Last set was a walkover. Nole 1-0, 2-1 sets