Like we do for the Grand Slams, us at LastWordOnTennis are here to predict the biggest matches of the year for you. At the ATP Finals, that means every match. The first day’s matches feature Roger Federer against Jack Sock and Alexander Zverev against Marin Cilic. Picking these matches are myself (Yesh Ginsburg), Ryan Schick, and guest contributor Chris Skelton.
ATP Finals Day 1 Predictions
Alexander Zverev vs Marin Cilic
Ryan:
We begin with a battle of two big servers. Zverev has been superb this year, with two Masters wins and a spot at World #3. Cilic has once again been incredibly consistent and reached another Major final, this time at Wimbledon. This match could go either way, but Zverev has struggled at the largest stages in majors and will fall just short.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
Chris:
All four of their matches have been close, with Zverev rallying from a set down to win the last two. He thus holds the momentum in their matchup, but he has struggled for consistency in the second half this year. Cilic has been the steadier player over the course of the fall, and he has the edge of having participated in this event before. We should see a tiebreak or two as both men dominate behind serve, with the veteran prevailing in a high-quality match.
Prediction: Cilic in 2
Yesh:
Both of these players come into the tournament struggling a little. Zverev has not reached the final of a tournament since his win in Montreal, while Cilic’s drought goes back to Wimbledon. There is little to separate the two here, so I’ll give the edge to the one with more experience on the bigger stages.
Prediction: Cilic in 3
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Roger Federer vs Jack Sock
Ryan:
Jack Sock is the first American to reach the tour finals since 2011 with an improbably victory in Bercy. Roger Federer last played when he cruised to a Shanghai title. These two have met three times and Federer has won all six sets, a trend which will continue.
Prediction: Federer in 2
Chris:
After a stunning run to his first Masters 1000 title in Paris, Sock arrives in London with plenty of momentum. Unfortunately for the American, so does Federer, who swept Shanghai and Basel in form almost as impressive as the first half. Having never lost a set to Sock, Federer should feel confident about extending his sterling record at this event. There is little in Sock’s game that can take Federer out of his comfort zone, especially on an indoor court that rewards Federer’s precision.
Prediction: Federer in 2
Yesh:
The only question in this match is Federer’s health. Sock actually can be effective on this surface, and might be able to come out of this group in second, but he has nothing that he can challenge Federer with. If the American can force a tiebreak, he might luck his way into a set, but he will be totally outclassed in this match.
Prediction: Federer in 2
Main Photo:
Embed from Getty Images
