Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal takes place today in the semi-finals of the 2015 ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The match is scheduled to start at 14:00 GMT.
Preview:
While many would have predicted Djokovic to see through to the semi-finals in London this week, a lot of questions marks surrounded Nadal’s campaign considering his well documented struggles throughout the season. However, not only has the Spaniard defied his critics and won through to the semi-finals for the first time since 2013 (he missed the season finale last year) but he, and not Djokovic, actually enters the match-up undefeated to date for the week.
Nadal has recorded impressive straight set victories against Andy Murray 6-4, 6-1 and Stan Wawrinka 6-3, 6-2 to secure his place in the final four. But he still does have to play one final round robin match against David Ferrer before this semi-final clash.
Meanwhile, although Djokovic came out firing in the first match of the tournament to dominate Kei Nishikori 6-1, 6-1, he was not quite as successful in his second clash against Roger Federer. The record six-time champion broke Djokovic on four occasions and also won 75 per cent of his first service points to prevail 7-5, 6-2.
It effectively marked the end of Djokovic’s 23-match winning streak and also a 14-match winning streak in London, which dated back to 2011. However, it should be noted that the top seed did bounce back to overcome Tomas Berdych 6-3, 7-5 in his next clash.
Furthermore, while there is no doubt Nadal has shown more than glimpses of his career best form this week, his toughest test is likely to come against Djokovic and this match could really give him an accurate representation of where his game is at. The Spaniard may marginally have the edge in the head-to-head against Djokovic – 23-22 – but a further look at the statistics shows us that he has not actually defeated the World No. 1 since Roland Garros last year. Furthermore Djokovic has not actually lost to Nadal on hard courts since the 2013 US Open and moreover he has not lost to the Spaniard on indoor hard courts since London 2010.
In addition, Djokovic does have the overall advantage at the Barclay’s ATP World Tour Finals this week. Not only is he the three-time defending champion, but he is also bidding for his fifth overall title this week. On the contrary, Nadal has never actually triumphed in London, making it one of the biggest titles that he is yet to win.
We all know that he is improving and he is definitely on the come back, but will the Spaniard, who has not won a major title this year, be the one to dethrone the three-time defending champion (who has also won three out of four Grand Slams this year)?
