Written by Peter Gehr Senior Tennis Editor
How the World's Best Men's Tennis Players Prepare for ATP Tour Finals
With the final tournament of the year set to begin in London this weekend, tennis fans worldwide may be wondering how the world’s best men’s tennis players prepare for ATP World Tour finals? Roger Federer is coming out of his indoor victory in Basel, as well as riding on the high from Bercy. In fine form and as fit and as comfortable with his game than ever, Federer prepares by knowing his opponents are perfectly capable, but also trusting in his ability and current physical and mental condition—not to mention his hugely confident attitude towards his current game.
Andy Murray will be playing on home turf, and this in itself can offer a crowd boosting edge from the bleachers, where moral support can improve your mental game to heightened levels of performance. The O2 Arena in London promises to be the hottest place to be for tennis this upcoming week, and ATP World Tour Finals could bring a surprising result.
How the World’s Best Men’s Tennis Players Prepare for ATP World Tour finals
Chris Wilkinson writing for ESPN expresses his slant:
All eyes are on London as the big names of men’s tennis head to the O2 Arena for the ATP World Tour Finals – for many of the players, this event is second only to the grand slams. The year has undoubtedly belonged to Novak Djokovic, but for me Roger Federer is the man to watch as he bids to win a record sixth year-end title.
…Federer and Andy Murray are benefitting from not playing too much earlier in the season. Djokovic and Rafael Nadal may have the grand slam titles wrapped up, but they both seem to be struggling.
Tennis greats such as Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have had their injuries, but from my perspective, these champions are still in the zone and promise to play better tennis with much more left in them to dazzle on the court for years to come. Rafa has been training and preparing by honing his athleticism and tactical tennis skills, and rest assured that the Spaniard has victory set firmly within his sights.
To me, it looks like it will be a Murray-Federer final – they are the two best players in the world right now. Djokovic has the No. 1 ranking in the bag, and nobody can catch Nadal for the No. 2 spot, but Federer can regain the No. 3 spot in London, so it is all to play for. I really fancy Murray to win this year…I really believe this could be his time, and a win in London could be the springboard to major success in 2012.
…It was Federer’s 802nd victory on the tour – and the way he is playing you could see him carrying on for a good few years yet. We wouldn’t have suspected this time last year that he would be playing in the same group as Nadal, but the draw has been made and Murray must be pretty pleased with that. Murray may be in the same group as world No. 1 Djokovic, but with the Serb in his current condition, Murray won’t be too concerned, and will have revenge on his mind when he takes on Tomas Berdych, who ended his unbeaten run in Paris last week. Click here to visit the original source of this post
Djokovic may need more time to heal, and time will tell if his injuries have fully recovered. His preparations have included focused treatment for his shoulder and appropriate rest, as well as continuing to concentrate on his game and performance.
How the world’s best men’s tennis players prepare for ATP World Tour Finals varies according to the needs, strengths and weaknesses of each player. Tennis tournaments at this level require major concentrations of single-mindedness and the physical and mental game of tennis is primed in the minds of these athletes. Some may be at the top of their game, while others still may weaken under the strain of competition, but the pre-game strategies are already playing in the heads of these super star competitors.
