ATP World Tour Finals 2014: Novak Djokovic v Marin Cilic match preview

A look ahead to the Group A match in the men’s singles

Marin Cilic and Novak Djokovic (Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic could potentially lose his season-ending no.1 ranking if he records a disappointing tournament in London. However, it is hard to imagine what would have to happen to stop the in-form Serb, who is also a two-time defending champion.

Djokovic, who comes into the tournament on the back of a Masters triumph in Paris and with a 27-match indoor winning streak, is the tournament’s clear favourite. A tag that is reinforced by the fact he hasn’t dropped a set since the birth of his son in October.

His first opponent in London will be Marin Cilic of Croatia. Cilic has been in and out of the top 10 since he broke into it for the first time in 2009. But it wasn’t until the US Open earlier this year where he lifted the trophy, that he established himself among the elite.

The two Balkan players will cross each other for the 11 time on the ATP tour and Cilic will hope for a breakthrough win.

They last met at Wimbledon earlier this year where Djokovic was the top seed while Cilic 26. The clash went to five sets, and lasted 3 hours and 18 minutes, where Djokovic came from behind to win.

START: Monday not before 8pm

PAST MEETINGS:
2014- Wimbledon (Grass) Djokovic won 6-1, 3-6, 6-7, 6-2, 6-2

2014- Roland Garros (Clay) Djokovic won 6-3, 6-2, 6-7, 6-4

2014- Indian Wells (Hard) Djokovic won 1-6, 6-2, 6-3

STATS:

Cilic started the 2014 season ranked 36, but managed to climb to a career-high 8 spot on the 5 October after claiming the US Open title.

Djokovic could lose the top spot in the rankings to Roger Federer after 19 weeks at world no. 1.

On October 2 Novak Djokovic recorded his 600 career win. He is now one of five active players to have reached this milestone.

Djokovic has won the ATP Tour Final three times before in 2008, 2012 and 2013.

ODDS:

Djokovic to win 1.17

Cilic to win 6.4

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