ATP World Tour Finals semifinals preview: The usual suspects and the Swiss force

The year 2013 in the world of tennis can be aptly described by the resurgence of Rafael Nadal, the consistency of Novak Djokovic and the rise of new names into the top 10.

The battle for the year end no.1 ranking may be over, but there is a lot to play for when the final 4 head out on Sunday evening at the O2 arena in London. Apart from three of the Big 4, another Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka has made his mark this year and has capped his incredible season with a semifinal berth in London.

Here is a preview to the semifinal encounters at the Barclays ATP World Tour finals:

1) Novak Djokovic vs Stanislas Wawrinka (Head to Head: 14-2 in favour of Djokovic)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 20: Novak Djokovic of Serbia consoles his oponent after five sets in his fourth round match against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland during day seven of the 2013 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

A marathon encounter testing the endurance of both players, resurrected their rivalry at this year’s Australian Open. Since then, Wawrinka has not looked back: breaking into the top 10, reaching a Grand Slam semifinal, securing a maiden ATP world tour final spot and then progressing to the semifinals.

However, up against Stan in the semifinal of the year-end championships would be the same person who has managed to wriggle out 5 set wins against him this year.

Wawrinka last defeated the Serb way back in 2006, at a time when both players were pretty nascent in their tennis careers. But the renewed rivalry and the close encounters add another edge to this encounter. Djokovic will have to be wary of the potent single handed backhand of Wawrinka. The backhand of Wawrinka can also act as his Achilles heel, and he will have to ensure to keep his unforced errors in check.

In the lead up to the semifinals, Wawrinka has had some cut-throat matches against the likes of David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych. While Djokovic placed in a difficult pool also has had to grind it out in his group stage ties. A favorable head to head would make the Serb the firm favorite, but the Swiss has a very good chance of causing a major upset. At least one thing is for certain that neither player is going to go down without a fight; it would be a match for tennis connoisseurs to savor.

Prediction: Djokovic wins in 3 sets

2) Rafael Nadal vs Roger Federer (Head to Head: Nadal leads 21-10)

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 22: Rafael Nadal of Spain greets Roger Federer of Switzerland after the match

The rivalry considered as the epitome of all tennis clashes will have its episode number 32 being played out at the O2 arena in London. Despite Federer’s drop in form, a clash with Nadal will always be a mouthwatering encounter.

A month back Federer was fighting to secure a spot in the year end championships. An inspired performance by the Swiss maestro in the final lead up tournaments has ensured not only a place in the tournament but also his improved form has helped him to reach the last 4 stage. Federer placed in a group with Djokovic and Del Potro booked a semifinal berth after emerging victorious in a marathon clash with the Argentine. However, Federer will have to shake off the fatigue from this clash and be ready for an even more difficult task at hand against the Spaniard.

Rafael Nadal on the other hand has had a smooth run at the tournament winning all his 3 ties to top group A and secure the year end world no.1 ranking. The fact that Nadal has never won the year end championships would act as a big motivation for him going into the semifinal clash. However, Nadal has never defeated Federer at the ATP World Tour Finals. The south paw from Mallorca will certainly have his task cut out as he faces a rejuvenated Federer who showed glimpses of his past glory in his clash against Del Potro.

Another stat which would be against the Spaniard is that in his entire career he has won only 2 indoor tournaments: one of them being in Madrid in 2005 and the other in Sao Paulo earlier this year. Thus, Nadal will start as favorite but the stats against Federer and form on indoor courts could tilt the balance slightly in the Swiss maestro’s favor.

Prediction: Rafael Nadal wins in 3 sets