ATP World Tour Finals: Wawrinka faces Berdych, Djokovic takes on Cilic as Group A action begins

 

Tomas Berdych and Stan Wawrinka

After a dramatic first day, which saw World No. 8 Andy Murray lose in straight sets in Group B to Kei Nishikori at the ATP tour Finals in London, Monday will witness two Group A matches with 2014 Australian Open Champion Stan Wawrinka taking on Tomas Berdych, followed by World No. 1 Novak Djokovic taking on 2014 US open winner Marin Cilic. Wawrinka, who reached the semi-finals at the O2 arena last year, has an impressive 9-5 record over Berdych and will be looking to start his campaign on a winning note. He will also be hoping to go a step further this time. He is only the third player from Switzerland after Roger Federer and Jacob Hlasek to qualify for the event.

He had earlier said it was a dream come true for him to take part in this event.

“I’m really excited. It’s a dream to play here. It’s a big chance. This year was different from how I qualified last year, so I’m excited to have the chance to play here again.” the 29-year-old said. 

Berdych, though, can take confidence from Nishikori ‘s win over Murray on Sunday and will hope to put in a good performance against the Swiss. He is only the second player from the Czech Republic after Ivan Lendl to feature in the event. The World No. 7 had said that it was going to be a challenge for him to match up with fellow Grand Slam winners in his group.

“It’s a tough draw.There are Grand Slam champions in my group, so it is not an easy one. Having Novak in the group, pretty much means one spot is already taken and we’re going to fight for the other spot. I am going to focus on my first match and try to go for it.” the Czech said on Friday.

 Marin Cilic and Novak Djokovic

In the second game of the day, World No.1 Novak Djokovic will face-off against defending US Open champion Marin Cilic.The Serb has a 10-0 head-to-head record over Cilic and will look to increase his advantage over the Croatian.

“It’s the last tournament of the season. Only the best eight players in the world play here. It’s a unique format, round robin, that we don’t have on the Tour at all. It’s the crowning achievement for all players here and they all want to finish in the best possible way. That’s why every match that you play in the group is like playing in the semi-finals or final of a Grand Slam.” Djokovic said.

26-year-old Cilic said that he was glad to be part of the finale, after missing out on earlier occasions.

“It’s a huge pleasure for me to be here in London.After a whole season [it's an honour] to be in the Top 8 to play this amazing event. In the past, I was close to making it, but I have never experienced it. It’s an amazing feeling so far.” Cilic said.

Match Timings:

Stan Wawrinka vs Tomas Berdych, 7:30 P.M IST

Novak Djokovic vs Marin Cilc,  1:30 A.M IST.