Trouble Ahead for Rafael Nadal at 2018 ATP Finals

Is world number one Rafael Nadal capable on winning the end of year ATP Finals in London? He is yet to do so. This year, he faces stiff competition.

Rafael Nadal is the current world number one in men’s singles tennis but that does not mean he is the favorite heading into the ATP Finals in London. The Spanish superstar fared extremely well in the first half of the 2018 ATP World Tour. Winning his 11th French Open title, Nadal added one on top of La Decima, further cementing his legacy as the King of Clay.

There are two major reasons to question whether or not Nadal can take the title in London though. The first is that he has struggled due to injury as of late.

Rafa continues to makes fans wonder whether or not he is healthy enough to play consistently on tour. He, like several other veteran stars, has battled ongoing injury issues in recent years. While Nadal has defied the odds and remained atop the sport, his health is a concern heading into the ATP Finals in London. This is especially true when you compare him to healthier players who are thriving and gaining momentum right now.

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have vast experience winning at the ATP Finals. With Nole surging after winning the Wimbledon Championships and the US Open, he is the favorite to take the title in London. Rafael Nadal, on the other hand, has never won the end of year event.

The second major reason to worry about Rafael Nadal and his chances at the ATP Finals is that he has never won there before. Nadal has reached the finals at the event twice previously. He fell both times, however, to Federer and Djokovic. Other veterans such as Marin Cilic and Kevin Anderson could be in the mix in London. Rising star Alexander Zverev will also be someone to watch and Dominic Thiem is vying for a final spot.