RAFAEL NADAL has kept his ATP title hopes alive – but his fate is still out of his hands.
The Spaniard, 33, beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets and must now await the result of today’s other match between Medvedev and Zverev.
How can Nadal make the semi-final?
Here’s what must happen for each player…
For Nadal to go through, it is relatively straightforward.
After beating Tsitsipas, he must hope Medevedev is victorious over Zverev.
Nadal’s victory over the Greek also means Medevedev is eliminated.
Who will Nadal face if he reaches the semi-final?
Rafael Nadal will either progress as group winner or come third and be eliminated, depending on tonight’s result.
Should Medvedev win, Nadal will face Roger Federer after the Swiss great saw off Novak Djokovic to get revenge for his Wimbledon heartbreak.
That means if Nadal does get through, he will definitely face Federer for a place in the final – with Tsitsipas facing Dominic Thiem.
But should Zverev win, he will face Thiem with Tsitsipas playing Federer.
Who ends the year as world number one?
Nadal came into the ATP Finals on top and ahead of the Federer-Djokovic clash, knew if he reached the final or Djokovic did not win the title, that would be enough for him to retain his place.
So when Djokovic lost to the 38-year-old, 20-time Grand Slam champ, Rafa’s success was sealed.
It is the fifth time he has finished the season as top dog and matches the hauls of Federer, Djokovic and Jimmy Connors – the quartet are one behind record-holder Pete Sampras.
