Rafael Nadal is optimistic about his participation in the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals and therefore remained in the field when the draw ceremony was held on Tuesday afternoon in London.
Nadal is in Group A along with Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alexander Zverev. Both Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer are in Group B and will be heavily favored to advance to the semifinals. Their round-robin challengers are Dominic Thiem and London debutant Matteo Berrettini. Medvedev and Tsitsipas are also making their first appearances at the O2 Arena.
Djokovic will play the first singles match against Berrettini on Sunday afternoon, followed by Federer vs. Thiem at night. Group A takes center stage on Monday, starting with Medvedev vs. Tsitsipas during the day and Nadal facing Zverev in the nightcap.
Group Andre Agassi
Rafael Nadal
Daniil Medvedev
Stefanos Tsitsipas
Alexander Zverev
Group Bjorn Borg
Novak Djokovic
Roger Federer
Dominic Thiem
Matteo Berrettini
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WHO YA GOT?
Vamos Rafa!
Stefano, I’m afraid, is doomed to be the first Medvedev victim. Also, a bit sad that Zverev minor is in this year – it’s been painful watching his tennis in 2019. Shapo would have been more fun to watch, imo. Rafa is playing and competing so well (I don’t count Paris) He’ll smash all in the group. Rafa and Medvedev are my picks from Agassi Group.
For Nole, he has never played Berrettini. (always makes me a little nervous) Not too worried about Nole v Thiem. But Thiem could bother Federer, maybe. Of course, Nole and Roger probably both make it from the Borg Group. But I also see Federer as potentially the most vulnerable. Although most of the time I’ve predicted something like that, Fed proves me wrong. As we say, anything can happen. I’m excited about this tournament. I think somewhere I already predicted Medvedev to win both Paris and the ATP Final. That was when Daniil was at his hottest. As of now, it should come down to the bitter end: Rafa v Nole.
It’s just physically a bit much for Federer, winning the another year end Final, I imagine. I say it with sadness. I remember Houston 2003, his first YE championship, Federer v old Agassi – for any Fedfans reading:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZsdoK2DTRM
It’s gonna be a swinging week in London Town……can’t wait!
Rafael Nadal believes his injury had nothing to do with his altered serving style.
By UCHE AMAKO
PUBLISHED: 19:48, Sat, Nov 2, 2019 | UPDATED: 20:23, Sat, Nov 2, 2019
Rafael Nadal has ruled out the possibility his abdominal injury was caused by the change to his service motion. At the start of the year, Nadal debuted a new serving technique which his coach Carlos Moya said was designed to make his motion ‘more fluid’.
In Paris, Nadal did not drop serve in his three completed matches but it was while practising his serve this morning that he pulled up with an issue.
https://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/index.php?threads/rafael-nadal-dismisses-claim-his-serving-technique-caused-paris-masters-injury.657178/
nadline10 8:46 AM,
Rafa said that “his injury had nothing to do with his altered serving style” at his press conference on Saturday (after withdrawing from the Paris Masters):
http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=155189
I was worried that Rafa may pull back on his serve at the O2 if it was causing the abdominal strain, so I am very happy that he should be able to serve as well as he’s been doing lately.
Vamos Rafa!