Is Rafael Nadal the man to beat at the ATP Finals?

Nadal ended the year top of the world rankings

After struggling with injuries in recent years, Rafael Nadal ended the 2017 tennis season top of the men’s rankings.

It’s the first time he’s finished the year in pole position since 2008. And he’s the first-ever person to do so after the age of 30.

The Spaniard has had a remarkable year. He won every set on his way to a record tenth French Open. He also won a third US Open title.

Now he has the chance to end the season with victory at the ATP World Tour finals at The O2.

Will he be fully fit?

Nadal is second-favourite to win the tournament at 4/1.

Those odds are longer than usual as he withdrew from the Paris Masters last week with a knee injury. But if he’s fit, there could be real value considering his form this year.

He’s been drawn in the Pete Sampras group with Dominic Thiem, David Goffin and Grigor Dimitrov.

Nadal has lost two of his seven matches against Thiem. But Dimitrov is likely to be his toughest opponent. They’ve faced each other three times this year. Nadal’s won all three matches, but he’s needed to go to a final set to seal victory.

Federer looms

Roger Federer is odds-on at 4/6 to win the Finals. He pulled out of the Paris Masters to make sure he was ready to compete in London.

Federer won the other two Grand Slams this year. The Swiss master appears to have a slightly tougher group than Nadal. He’s been drawn with Alexander Zverev, Marin Cilic and Jack Sock.

If both of them make it through, the stage could be set for a spectacular showdown.

All Odds and Markets correct as of the date of publication