Djokovic wins ATP opener but Nadal suffers early defeat

The end of season finale at the ATP Finals is underway in Turin. The competition puts the world’s eight best players against each other in the final tournament of the year.

The tournament splits the players into two groups of four – a Green Group & Red Group. The top two players from each group progress to the semi-finals.

Rafael Nadal opened his campaign against Taylor Fritz but suffered a surprise defeat against the American in straight sets 7-6 (7-4) 6-4. Fritz only secured his place in the competition after World No 1 Carlos Alcaraz was forced to pull out with injury. His persistent returning was too much for the Spaniard. Nadal will be hoping to bounce back against Felix Auger-Aliassime on Wednesday.

Amazingly, Nadal has never won the ATP Finals event and will be desperate to add the crown to his incredible trophy cabinet. He has struggled with injuries since the US Open in September and will be hoping to end the year in style by winning the Turin event.

Wimbledon Champion Novak Djokovic made a winning start to his tournament beating Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 7-6 (7-4). The Serb is bidding to equal Roger Federer’s haul of six ATP titles.