Voice of London

Preparations for the Nitto ATP 2020 tour season finals have begun. 

The event which will take place in London, at the O2 Arena starting from the 15th of November, will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the tournament. It will mark the final edition being held in the British capital due to its relocation in Turin for the upcoming year.  

Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic and consequent safety measures, the tournament will be held behind closed doors, which forces a virtual goodbye from the millions of fans. Fans who in the past 12 years, have travelled to Greenwich to attend the event.   

However, that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying the event and celebrating the success of its legacy in London. 

As expressed by Rafael Nadal: “Of course in an event like this one, I think tennis needs to keep moving, but at the same time it’s not fair to finish here in London without crowds.

“But that’s the thing that is happening today in this world. Just congratulate London for this amazing 11/12 years that we have been playing here and I expect to have another great event in Turin.”

The Spanish champion will continue the race for his first ATP finals title along side the World No.1 Novak Djokovic, debutants Andrey Rublev and Diego Scharmant, as well as Dominic Thiem, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev. Matteo Berrettini and Denis Shalapov will also be present as confirmed alternates. 

The draw for the season-ending event has been announced and it will divide the eight renowned players into two groups, Tokyo 1970 and London 2020, which have been named to mark the half-century.

We don’t know what to expect but what is certain, is that this final will be a challenge for all. 

Djokovic, even though considered the group’s favourite, will face a hard time with the Russian and German Paris-Bercy finalist. But Greg Rusedski, the former number one, believes that his motivation will provide a good comeback, following his absence at the Paris Masters. As he recently told the PA News agency: 

“I think he is going to be motivated because he hasn’t won it in a long time and whether you like it or not these guys want records. Federer, Djokovic and (Rafael) Nadal want to go down with the most slams, the most ATP Finals wins, the most Masters wins, that is what drives these three incredible legends of the game.”

On the other hand, he’s not as positive when it comes to Nadal’s success in winning the one title that’s been missing on his ‘CV’. 

“I think the court speed and the balls are just a little bit too quick and the other guys are playing better than him indoors. It is still a big ask to beat Nadal.”

You will be able to follow the Nitto ATP Finals on Amazon Prime Video or BBC iPlayer starting from Sunday 15th to Sunday 22nd of November.

Words by: Chiara Ferrari | Subbing: Anuj Datta