5 Greatest Players Who Failed to Make an Impact at the ATP World Tour Finals Ft. Rafael Nadal

Ever since its inception in 1970, the Nitto ATP Finals has always been an exciting experience for the tennis realm. Only the best eight singles-qualified players get to compete for the crown at the indoor hard court event of the Pala Alpitour. Given the high standards and criteria, the season-ending championship has been graced by some of the greatest players on the men’s tour over the past few decades or so.

The elite roster includes the likes of Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who have won the ATP finals title on more than three occasions. While many of these ATP legends have emerged victorious, there are others who have never tasted glory at the prestigious event. Here are five of the tennis greats, including Rafael Nadal, who failed to make any notable impact at the ATP World Tour Finals.

Rafael Nadal is yet to mark a triumphant run at the ATP Finals

The ‘King of the Clay’ has a number of remarkable accolades under his belt, including his 22 Grand Slam singles titles. However, there is one significant championship crown that is missing from the Spaniard’s otherwise near-flawless tennis resume. Rafael Nadal, who has competed on the hard courts of the season-ending event eleven times during his competitive journey, has never tasted glory at the ATP Finals.

For the first time, the 37-year-old reached the championship match of the 2010 Nitto ATP Finals, where he was defeated by his Swiss adversary, Roger Federer. Later, Nadal secured another runner-up finish in 2013, when he locked horns with the 6-time champion, Novak Djokovic. The Spaniard last picked up his racket in Turin in the previous season’s edition, where he failed to qualify for the latter round of the esteemed competition.

Stan Wawrinka’s lacklustre campaigns at the Nitto ATP Finals

During his journey on the men’s tour, the Swiss tennis star has bagged sixteen ATP singles titles owing to his incredible on-court prowess. Stan Wawrinka, who managed to win three major titles, failed to mark a triumphant campaign at the Nitto ATP Finals. Let alone winning the season-ending championship. The former world No. 3 has never reached the finals of the prestigious tournament.

However, the 38-year-old made a notable impression at the 2014 edition, where he reached the semifinal round. Wawrinka, who was serving for the match at one point, ended up losing against his compatriot, Roger Federer, in a three-set dramatic match, 6-4, 5-7, 6-7. Wawrinka has not made it to the ATP Finals since his early knockout run in 2016.

Andy Roddick is another big name on this rare list

The American tennis legend, who amassed a remarkable 32 ATP singles titles, also failed to emerge triumphant in this esteemed championship. Since his debutant participation in 2003, Andy Roddick has made six appearances at the Nitto ATP Finals during his illustrious on-court journey.

However, the former world No. 1 player has enjoyed three semifinal finishes at the tournament that came in 2003, 2004, and 2007. On two such occasions, it was Roddick’s fierce rival Roger Federer who defeated him and later clinched the ATP Finals title.

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Jim Courier has never won the esteemed championship

Prior to putting down his racket in 2000, the American former world No. 1 had participated in the ATP Finals four times. Even though he made it to the championship match twice, Jim Courier failed to lift the title in two consecutive seasons.

In 1991, the Hall of Famer was up against his compatriot, Pete Sampras, who prevailed in the title match of the ATP Finals. Later, in the very next season, Courier once again secured another runners-up finish at the round-robin event after he failed to overcome his German opponent, Boris Becker.

Mats Wilander also failed to mark any triumphant run

Mats Wilander, the 7-time singles Grand Slam champion, is another big name on the men’s tour who has never lifted the ATP Finals title. During his illustrious journey on the tour, the Swedish tennis legend graced the tournament seven times, while he also had a runner-up finish in 1987. It was the defending champion, Ivan Lendl, who outshined Wilander in a three-set final, 6–2, 6–2, 6–3, as he clinched yet another title.

Nevertheless, the lack of this title doesn’t really dent the careers of these legends. However, what do you think about this list? Do let us know through your comments below!

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