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Nitto ATP World Tour Finals: Who’s In Numbers 5 – 8

By Daniella Silva

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates a point against Alex De Minaur of Australia during they third round of the 2018 Rolex Shanghai Masters on Day 5 at Qi Zhong Tennis Centre on October 11, 2018 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 11: Alexander Zverev of Germany celebrates a point against Alex De Minaur of Australia during they third round of the 2018 Rolex Shanghai Masters on Day 5 at Qi Zhong Tennis Centre on October 11, 2018 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images) /
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ATP Finals
PARIS, FRANCE – NOVEMBER 02: Dominic Thiem of Austria celebrates winning match point during his men’s singles match against Jack Sock of The United States during Day five of the Rolex Paris Masters on November 2, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /

ATP Race to London- Rank 8. Dominic Thiem

Dominic Thiem is a workhorse. A physical freak of nature. The Austrian uncorks his body at every forehand, every one handed backhand, every serve he hits. For the second consecutive year, Thiem has surpassed 50 match wins for the season compiling a 53-17 record including, three titles. 2018 has been a breakthrough year for Thiem as he reached his first grand slam final at Roland Garros. He also reached career bests fourth round in Australia and quarterfinals at the US Open.

Despite mediocre results, for his high standards, following Roland Garros (outside of the US Open quarterfinals), Thiem has gained momentum in recent weeks. He took home the title in St.Petersburg and reached the semifinals of the Paris Masters.

This will be Thiem’s third straight qualification for the ATP tour finals. This year, however, he will be looking for a deeper run as he has never made it past the round robin stage.

ATP Race to London – Rank 9. Kei Nishikori

Ranked number nine in the world, Nishikori was the first man out of the ATP tour finals. Despite this, the Japanese will compete in London due to Juan Martin del Potro’s withdrawal with a knee injury. Competing in London is a great achievement for Nishikori who has had his own injury problems recently. Nishikori was forced to end his 2017 season months in advance due to a wrist injury and began 2018 competing on the Challenge Tour, the tour below the ATP.

Related Story. Delpo OUT of ATP Finals. light

With Nishikori’s immense talent, he was once billed as the future of men’s tennis. Following his run to the US Open final in 2014, it looked as though the Japanese was on his way to the top however, injuries have stopped his progress.

This will be Nishikori’s fourth appearance at the ATP Finals, twice reaching the semi-finals. When healthy, Nishikori can beat anyone on tour and despite being a late entry, he will be looking to make some noise in London.

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