The Final Countdown

As the “Race to London” approaches the finish line, I take a look at what’s been going on since the end of the Asian swing, both on and off the court. Four players have already qualified, leaving three more places still up for grabs. Who can take them?

A typically passionate Murray on court during the Asian Swing last month

Before the final Masters 1000 of the year in Paris, Andy Murray is making a last ditch attempt to gain enough points to qualify for London on his own merit, rather than as a first reserve should Rafa pull out. He made a good start today, coming through his first match in Vienna against Canadian Popisil 6-4 6-4. He is now through to the quarter final stage in Austria.

Murray slipped down to 10th in the race after his quarter final defeat to Ferrer in Shanghai, with the Spaniard moving above him to 9th, 60 points ahead. Things are very tight for the remaining few hoping to qualify, with only 4 more places up for grabs.

Those already scheduled to make an appearance in London in both singles and doubles are as follows:

Murray’s chances have been bolstered by Raonic’s second round defeat in the Kremlin Cup in Moscow, with the Scot a mere 95 points behind him. There’s no denying those in contention will need to play their best tennis in the next few weeks- or lose the chance to play the World Tour Finals.

Whether or not Rafa Nadal will still play is uncertain. He was recently diagnosed with appendicitis, which cut short his Shanghai campaign. While Nadal has admitted surgery will need to take place soon, he has not yet confirmed when this will be. It must be an extremely disappointing end to the year, as Rafa has also had to contend with a wrist injury.

Talking of wrist injuries, one player who has been sorely missed on the tour, taken out of play on and off for several years is Juan Martin Del Potro. The “Tower of Tandil” recently released a statement to his fans on Facebook, indicating his intentions to stay off court until 2015, and continue his training and rehabilitation with the hopes of returning strongly and confidently at the start of next year. Many a tennis fan, myself included, will wait with high hopes that such a charismatic player can reach his potential once more:

“Despite the positive recovery of my wrist and the progress in my overall physical condition, I have decided not to take part in the end-of-year European tournaments.

I´m currently not at the 100% capacity required to confront this challenges. I intend to take a more patient approach to this preparation phase and focus on a sound 2015 return.

Your constant support, good wishes and caring have been and will continue to be of the upmost importance along this journey. I am deeply thankful and I believe that during next year I´ll be able to repay you, doing what I do best.“

Follow all the latest on the final countdown to London’s ATP World Tour Finals on The Triple Bagel and The Sport Space. Thanks for reading!