Federer to face Djokovic again; Groups for ATP World Tour Finals announced

Roger Federer (R), Novak Djokovic

The draw ceremony for the ATP finale was held this evening at the O2 Arena in London.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic and six times champion Roger Federer were drawn into the tougher Group B. Juan Martin Del Potro and Richard Gasquet are the other two players in this group.

Group A has Rafael Nadal and compatriot David Ferrer along with Tomas Berdych and Stanislas Wawrinka. Two players from each group shall advance to the knockout phase of the tournament, based on the best results from the three matches in the round robin stage.

The final event of the main tour calendar shall kick off on Monday with a match between Berdych and Wawrinka in the afternoon session. The second match of the opening day will be between Del Potro and Gasquet in the evening session. Tuesday will see a repeat of the men’s semifinals at Paris – with Nadal taking on Ferrer and Djokovic set to meet Federer for a 31st career meeting.

Discussing the draw, Del Potro underlined the fact that he expects a difficult time at London in his fourth appearance at the event. “It’s a tough draw. All the names are big,” said the Argentine. “I will have three finals for sure, and maybe the other guys are the favourite against me. In this tournament every player can beat anyone and I have to be ready for that.”

Two time winner and defending champion, Djokovic will start his campaign against Federer, who he beat in the finals last year. Nadal, finalist in 2010 will have the 2007 runner up Ferrer to deal with in his first match in London. The fact that Nadal has lost this week to Ferrer should fire up the world No.1 when he reaches London to contest with Djokovic for the honour of being the year end number one.

Wawrinka has enjoyed a brilliant year, by his own subdued standards and was the first player to reach London after he lost in the quarters of the event at Bercy. This shall mark the first ever Tour Final appearance for Wawrinka. Frenchman Gasquet could also use a refresher course, since he has not been at the final tournament since his heady days in 2007.

Since the event is in London, it is likely that they miss the services of Andy Murray who is recuperating from your injury. The absence of Murray has proven lucky for Gasquet, who became the final selection to the event.

Del Potro’s belongings stolen in transit

Meanwhile, Del Potro has suffered a robbery on his way from Paris to London. USA Today is reporting that Del Potro’s communication manager has released a statement on behalf of the player. “Personal things – my rosary that the Pope blessed for me in Rome, that’s important,” stated Del Potro. “The other things don’t matter. It’s over and I’m safe.” The incident happened at the Gare du Nord station, just after Del Potro had checked in and stopped briefly to sign an autograph.