ATP World Tour Finals: Sky Sports experts give their predictions
Sunday 15 November 2015 18:07, UK
With the ATP World Tour Finals approaching, our experts give their verdicts on the elite tournament at The O2.
Andy Murray is joined by the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for the season-ending event, which sees the top eight players in the world competing for the title in London, starting this Sunday on Sky Sports.
Can the British No 1 land the trophy in front of his home fans? Our experts have offered their opinions...
Will Andy Murray be happy with his group (Stan Wawrinka, Nadal and David Ferrer)?
Annabel Croft
"I think Murray will be very happy with his group, particularly as he recently beat David Ferrer in Paris and of course beat Nadal in their most recent meeting on the clay in Madrid.
"As we know, Rafa has struggled all year but his confidence is building, but he's still a long way off the form where he used to dominate their encounters.
"Every single match in these championships is always tough, but I think Stan Wawrinka may be the toughest in that group. However, it means a likely potential semi-final against either Federer or Djokovic!"
Greg Rusedski
"I think it's a pretty good group if you look at it overall. Head-to-head against most of the guys he's been strong. If we start with David Ferrer, Murray beat him quite convincingly in the semi-finals in Paris, then you've got Rafa - indoors on a hard court is not a bad draw.
"Stan's the one who's going to be the most difficult. We all remember the epic match with Federer in the semi-finals last year! But I think the draw turned out pretty well, Murray's avoided Federer and Djokovic, so that's a good start."
Mark Petchey
"Stan has obviously had an amazing year and he does lead their head-to-heads 8-6. Stan's obviously won the last couple, although they haven't played since the US Open back in 2013.
"He has a great record against Ferrer and he's won the last four there. Obviously Rafa is the one he's got to find a way to beat. He did beat him in Madrid on clay so that will give him a bit of confidence going in. I don't think he's going to be disappointed with his group, I have to be honest."
Will a title triumph at The O2 be the perfect preparation for the Davis Cup final?
Barry Cowan
"I think it's the perfect preparation. He can't just focus on the Davis Cup. He needs matches.
"I think Andy is such a winner and he's not played his best tennis in previous years at The O2. The spotlight is on British tennis for two weeks, with The O2 and the Davis Cup final.
It seems as though Andy is clear in his mind how he wants to prepare for the Davis Cup and that's play The O2, but also practice on clay.
"It seems as though Andy is clear in his mind how he wants to prepare for the Davis Cup and that's play The O2, but also practice on clay."
Greg Rusedski
"It'll be interesting to see what will happen in his opening match as he's been playing on clay. He started his practice only today (Friday) on the hard courts so it'll be interesting to see how his body reacts.
"The opening match will tell us a lot about how he's going to treat the finals, as his mind has got to have been focused on winning the Davis Cup. But if you look at the group, it's a good opportunity to get back in the semi-finals again."
Annabel Croft
"If Andy was victorious at the O2 - nothing can beat confidence and it would be a fantastic springboard into the Davis Cup final.
"So as tough as it is to transition onto the clay courts straight off the indoor hard - I believe Murray, with his talent and ruthless determination to win the cup for team GB, can do it whatever the surface was - even on mud!"
Who will will be crowned champion in the capital?
Greg Rusedski
Djokovic won't lose a match for the rest of the season - simple as that.
"Novak Djokovic. He is the best on the planet, and he's won three of the last four majors.
"And I think you have to go back to 2012 when he last lost a match indoors. And he won't lose a match for the rest of the season - simple as that."
Barry Cowan
"Djokovic is clearly the favourite and you must look to Federer, but I think Rafa will be there or thereabouts. I think Andy will play even better, but maybe the Davis Cup final will be a factor.
"I think it helps when players know it's the last tournament of the year, because it's five matches against the very best, and if you look at the Paris Masters, Novak has been cruising.
"You go in right from the word go against someone from the top eight, which is the only time it happens in the year. That also changes the dynamic.
"As things stand, indoors at The O2 with those conditions, I would have Djokovic, Federer and Rafa as three."
Annabel Croft
"Right now it's pretty difficult to see past Novak Djokovic, who has elevated himself above the pack for the time being.
"No weaknesses, no chinks in the amour and a season behind him which was exceptional and confidence sky high, yet he is still seeking improvement."
Watch day one of the ATP World Tour Finals from 12 noon this Sunday on Sky Sports 3.
