In the absence of defending champion Alexander Zverev, former tennis pro and Davis Cup captain Patrik Kühnen believes Novak Djokovic will win at the ATP Finals.
“For me, Novak Djokovic is the top favorite because he has come back with two wins in Tel Aviv and Astana after the long break. Even though he lost the final in Paris to Holger Rune, he is fully there at the right time “said “Sky” expert Kuehnen (56) before the start of the tournament on Sunday in Turin of the German Press Agency.
“He’s also the player who brings the greatest freshness – physically and mentally. And he’ll be absolutely hot for the tournament,” explained Kühnen.
The former world number one Djokovic would set the record of the Swiss Roger Federer, who has since retired, with a sixth title at the traditional end of the season on the tennis tour. In his first preliminary round match, Djokovic will face Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas on Monday. Other competitors in the group stage are the two Russians Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev.
On Sunday, the other preliminary round group with the Spanish top star Rafael Nadal is next. “He has played few matches in the last few weeks, so there is a small question mark behind him,” said Kühnen. “But I think you always have to count on him, he proved that at the beginning of the year. The success at the Australian Open was another statement from him.”
Hamburg’s Alexander Zverev has been pausing for months because of his foot injury and its consequences.