Tour Finals chiefs sweat over Murray and Nadal

Organisers worried over Scot’s form, Spaniard’s health ahead of London event


Reuters October 20, 2014

LONDON: Organisers of the ATP World Tour Finals in London next month will be keeping a keen eye on Andy Murray's results and Rafa Nadal's health over the next couple of weeks.

Home favourite Murray is one of several players scrambling to accumulate enough ATP Race points to grab one of the three remaining spots, while already-qualified Nadal has been diagnosed with appendicitis and question marks remain over his appearance.

Murray, an ever-present at the season-ender since it came to London's cavernous O2 Arena alongside the River Thames in 2009, apart from last year when he was recovering from back surgery, guarantees a spike in ticket sales at the hugely popular event.

Likewise, 14-times grand slam champion Nadal boasts an army of fans worldwide and should he succumb to ill health, the event would be down-valued.

A few weeks ago Murray looked in serious jeopardy of missing the cut after a lean year but a late burst of form, with titles in Shenzhen and Vienna, has moved him to eighth in the Race to London.

"Obviously, London would be very nice if I can get there,” said Murray. “It's also important for seedings at the Australian Open. To be seeded in the top eight there can make a big difference to the draw and hopefully I will be able to do that."

Murray plays in Valencia this week while Nadal is in Basel, having admitted that he is struggling.

"It's going to be one of the most dangerous first rounds in a 500 tournament that I've played in a long time," said the 28-year-old Mallorcan.
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