Chris Jones assesses the chances of the five players already through to the season finale.
1. Roger Federer
The defending champion loves this competition having won it six times since 2003. That kind of domination emphasises why so many in the sport believe he is the greatest player to have ever picked up a tennis racket. Won Wimbledon this year to extend his record to 17 Grand Slam singles titles.
2. Novak Djokovic
Arrives in London as the leader of the points race which is testament to the all-round excellence of a player who totally dominated the 2011 season and has defied the sceptics again this year. He won the Australian Open in January — his 5th Grand Slam — to cement his place at the top of the sport.
3. Andy Murray
Ensured he would go down in British tennis history by ending a 76-year wait for a men’s Grand Slam winner. His US Open triumph has transformed his life and given the Scot the impetus to challenge for the No1 ranking next year especially now that he is injury-free.
4. Rafael Nadal
Injury ruined his Wimbledon challenge after winning a record seventh French Open to take his Grand Slam total to 11. His knee problems are worrying and Nadal could not compete in the Olympics and the US Open but is promising to come back better than ever once the ligament problem has been solved.
5. David Ferrer
One of the most consistent players on tour, known for his incredible engine that allows him to be supremely competitive on all surfaces — not just on clay. He has amassed 16 titles on tour and made two Grand Slam semi-finals. Ferrer also helped Spain win the Davis Cup.
RACE FOR THE FINAL THREE SPOTS
Tomas Berdych is a Grand Slam finallist with a power game that can beat the very best and will be a threat in London. Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro carries similar forehand and serving weapons whilst Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga made it to the final in London last year. Janko Tipsarevic is another to watch out for after enjoying one of his best years so far on the ATP World Tour.
