ATP World Tour Finals: Day 3 Predictions

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic v Andy Murray

The winners on day one will go head-to-head in the most anticipated of the round robin matches.  Novak Djokovic overcame a sluggish start to beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 7-6 6-3.  Tsonga dominated the first set and fashioned several break points, but he failed to assert his authority in the tiebreak.  Djokovic then broke early in the second and bookended the match with another break ast Tsonga ran out of ideas with some reckless serve and volleying.  

Murray edged past Tomas Berdych, 3-6 6-3 6-4 in a scrappy opener.  Murray went 0 for 11 on break points before finally making his breathrough midway through the second set.  Neither played close to their best paving the way for a tight match in this second round robin match.  Djokovic won their most recent encounter in Shanghai where Murray wasted match points in an epic.  Another three setter predicted here for sure, but I think it will be an error-strewn affair... I give the advantage to Djokovic.

Prediction - Djokovic to beat Murray in 3 sets

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Tomas Berdych v Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

The evening crowd at the O2 on Wednesday will be disappointed to miss out on the Murray/Djokovic match, but should still see a great match between Tomas Berdych and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.  Both are fighting to remain in contention to qualify for the semi-finals after first round losses.  Tsonga has struggled in his last two matches and the introduction of a new coach, Roger Rasheed appears to be a timely one after a solid 2012, but one where he has managed just one top 10 win all year (Del Potro in Rome).  

Berdych gave a better account of himself against Murray, but struggled to impose himself on the Brit's serve in the second and third sets.  The pair have played twice in recent weeks with Berdych winning both, although their last match in the Stockholm final was a very close affair with Berdych winning, 4-6 6-4 6-4.  I felt that before the tournament, Tsonga would struggle and I think his chances will be over following this match.

Prediction - Berdych to beat Tsonga in 2 tight sets