In pictures: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and other stars suit up for ATP Finals gala
Former world champions Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic recently attended the ATP Finals gala along with fellow qualifiers Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Andrey Rublev and Taylor Fritz. And fans have since then taken to social media to share pictures from the event.
The players sat in the spotlight on a court-like stage, surrounded by people. In one of the pictures Tsitsipas appeared to be signing, while Djokovic, Rublev and Medvedev also seemed to be enjoying a few lighthearted moments. Nadal, suited in black, could be seen smiling and posing with others for the official group photo.
The doubles teams were also present for the event. The official gala gives the players a chance to get together, meet with sponsors and tournament partners, and also take care of their media commitments.
After the players let their hair down at the Gala dinner, they will gear up for the tournament that is scheduled to kick off soon.
Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic placed in different groups at ATP Finals
Top seed Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic will not play in the same group in the ATP Finals, as per the draw revealed yesterday.
The Spaniard leads the Green Group with Casper Ruud, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Taylor Fritz. He will be attempting to win the title for the first time at the year-end tournament. The group has two debutants in Auger-Aliassime and Fritz.
Djokovic, on the other hand, leads the Red Group with Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev and Daniil Medvedev. If the Serbian, who is a five-time champion, emerges victorious in Paris, he will tie Roger Federer's record of six titles at the competition. The Red Group also has two other former title winners, Tsitsipas (2019) and Medvedev (2020).
The placement of the two former World No. 1s in different groups comes as good news for fans, who wish to see them in a possible title clash.
The ATP Finals will mark the closing of the season and its outcome will also be a key factor in who ends the year at the World No.1 spot between Nadal, Tsitsipas and Alcaraz.