- 2016 will see a very enticing doubles battle at the top
The ATP World Tour Finals in London confirmed that Jean-Julien Rojer and Horia Tecau represent a significant challenge to the status quo of men’s doubles – the legendary Bryan brothers. By defeating the American pair in the semi finals, Tecau and Rojer dethroned their No.1 in the world spot – an accolade which has belonged to the brothers at the end of the last six years in a row. Yet the Bryan’s could not take a grand slam title throughout this year (the first time they have failed to do so since 2004) and, as Tecau pointed out in an interview for the ATP following his pair’s crowning as World Tour Finals Champions, it has only been his second year with Rojer. “We [have] improved as a team, [we] had bigger goals [in our second year], better schedule, [and] improved our game,” the Romanian said in the interview. “We don’t talk about tournaments so much, we talk about how we can improve this partnership, how I can improve my game, how Jules can improve his.” It is a logical and driven ethos; one that could lead to further success over the Bryan brothers, and other competitors, in 2016.
- A Long year has taken its toll on Murray
It was an odd sight: Andy Murray, cautiously snipping at his bangs with a pair of scissors during a change of ends against Nadal in the ATP World Tour Finals on Wednesday, but it was one that Murray stoutly defended when questioned on it at his press conference. “I don’t know why such minor things make such a big deal to you guys,” retorted Murray. “I had some hair in my eye and I just wanted to get rid of it. That literally took two seconds.” His touchiness was also pretty unambiguous when a question posed to him suggested his defeat to Nadal might have a silver lining, with the possibility to play Federer instead of Djokovic. He bristled, plunging into a spiel criticizing the inquisitor’s seemingly cynical opinion on the format. In terms of on court, the second set versus Nadal and the contorted frame of the racquet he tossed behind him as he exited the court post the Wawrinka meeting, are damning evidence that Murray was suffering from the mental exhaustion of a long season.
- Rafael Nadal is set to be a major threat in 2016
During his dismantling of Andy Murray in the group stages, I’m sure many of us were struck with the question: Is Nadal back? No, what we saw at the O2 this week was perhaps a diluted version of the imperious player the world was in awe at in years gone by. Nevertheless, his form at the 02 this week spoilt us with flashes of quintessential Nadal brilliance; more importantly, he displayed an assurance that has been distinctly lacking in recent times against tennis’ elite. Djokovic did indeed defeat him with relative ease, but in his natural habitat of an indoor hard court. It will be interesting when the fight moves onto the clay.
- Novak Djokovic has become ‘The Big One’
I and many others have been culpable of exercising that exhausted doctrine of the tennis world: ‘The Big Four’. Perhaps it has frequented the pages of so many articles in a desperate rejection of the fact that, in this golden era of tennis, there is actually one dominant presence. The ATP World Tour Finals have certainly proved that in fact, there is a ‘Big One’. His performance in the final against Federer was absolutely stunning, forcing the Swiss to revert to some of the most inventive, high-risk shots in his repertory. Six Masters titles, three Grand Slams, Runner Up at the French Open and an 82-6 win-loss record… as The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg aptly said at the World Tour Finals conclusion, ‘There is Djokovic and then there is everyone else.’
- London does the Finals justice
Over the course of the week, 270,000 visitors attended the O2 Arena in London for the ATP World Tour Finals– a remarkable turnout particularly considering the possible security concerns following the tragic events in Paris. From the decadent over-indulgence in dry ice upon the entrance of a player, to the dramatic heart beat sound effect amplified around the arena on match point, the whole atmosphere feels fitting for an end of season finale. Indeed, the noise is reminiscent of the raucous intensity found at Davis Cup ties and in the Arthur Ashe stadium, with the noise only subsiding when the crowd are requested to applaud for the obligatory appearance of a non-descript Barclay’s functionary. The 02’s contract for the event runs out in 2018, and I can only hope that its hosting can stretch beyond that.
- Nerves can certainly conquer even the best
With players like Djokovic around, the fact that these professionals are not completely infallible can be easily neglected. However there were two startling examples of nerves taking hold during the doubles event. Ivan Dodig and Marcelo Melo were ominously faced with two match points on their opposition’s serve, only for an abrupt collapse to occur. Pierre-Hugues Herbert was the culprit, throwing in three double faults to gift Dodig and Melo a break back. In fact, they would eventually come all the way back to win the match 3-6 7-6(4) 10-7; leaving Herbert to lament his and Mahut’s missed opportunities. Jamie Murray and John Peers meanwhile, from 9-5 up in their third set tiebreak, suffered defeat at the hands of the Bryan brothers, a capitulation Jamie Murray was particularly candid about. “We blew it,” he said, speaking to the BBC. “We should have won that match, no question about it. We had enough chances.”
- Federer’s career has some distance yet
Last year, following his withdrawal from the finale of the ATP World Tour Finals due to a back injury, there was renewed scrutiny over the longevity of Federer’s career. These sentiments have now surely been banished. Aside from the final, throughout the week he performed a master class on the high risk, aggressive game that he has been forced to revert to in his advancing years. His net play especially, which has blossomed since his appointment of Stefan Edberg, was clinical in the semi finals versus fellow countryman Stan Wawrinka – coming to the net 32 times in 21 games; winning 24 of those points. A stat like that surely confirms that Federer’s reinvention is complete.
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