ATP Finals 2024 Preview

The prestigious ATP Finals, the season-ending championship for the world’s top eight singles players and doubles teams, gets underway at the Pala Alpitour in Turin on Sunday.

A notable absence this year is defending champion Novak Djokovic, who has withdrawn due to injury, marking the first time in over two decades that none of the legendary “Big Three” – Djokovic, Roger Federer, or Rafael Nadal – will compete in the event.

With Djokovic out, the spotlight shifts to a new generation of stars, led by world No.1 Jannik Sinner and reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz, who have dominated the tennis landscape in 2024.

Sinner enters as the 5/4 favourite as he looks to capitalise on a stellar season that saw him claim the Australian Open and US Open titles to end Italy’s 48-year wait for a men’s grand slam singles champion.

Alcaraz is close behind in the betting at 2/1, while recent Paris Masters champion Alexander Zverev rounds out the top contenders at 13//2.

Sinner poised for home glory – Sinner to win @ 5/4

It’s hard to look past Sinner given his incredible 2024 season and the advantage of playing in front of a passionate Italian crowd. 

The 23-year-old’s powerful baseline game and improved serving make him a formidable opponent on the indoor hard courts of Turin, where he delighted fans by reaching the final last year.

Sinner has reached eight tournament finals in 2024, winning seven and only narrowly missing out on beating Alcaraz on a deciding set tie-breaker in the other. The Italian’s big-game temperament should see him secure the title he now craves above all others.

Medvedev could surprise – Medvedev to win and each-way @ 9/1

While much of the pre-event attention is focused on Sinner and Alcaraz, former champion Daniil Medvedev could provide excellent value for each-way bettors looking for a contender at a big price. 

The Russian thrives on indoor hard courts and has a game perfectly suited for the conditions in Turin. Medvedev’s defensive skills and ability to frustrate opponents could be key in the round-robin format. With four titles in 2024, including the Miami Masters, he has proven himself well capable of lasting the distance again.

In-form Zverev could topple Alcaraz again – Zverev to win the John Newcombe Group @ 2/1

Zverev comes into the tournament with momentum following his recent triumph at the Paris Masters. 

As a two-time ATP Finals champion (2018, 2021), his experience in this unique format could prove crucial in navigating the round-robin stage.

The German’s motivation is likely heightened by narrowly missing out on the semi-finals last year, where he lost out on sets-won percentage after a tough defeat to Medvedev. 

Notably, Zverev holds a 4-2 head-to-head advantage over Alcaraz on hard courts, including a three-set victory in this event last year.

The in-form second seed will no doubt fancy his chances of topping the John Newcombe Group if he repeats that win against the Spaniard, who appears to have gone a little off the boil recently with early exits in his two most recent tournaments.