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ATP Tour Finals: Alexander Zverev grouped with Roger Federer

November 8, 2017

German tennis prospect Alexander Zverev has been handed a stern test in next week's ATP Tour Finals. The 20-year-old has qualified for the prestigious end-of-season event for the first time but will play Roger Federer.

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Tennis 2017 Citi Open - Alexander Zverev vs Nishikori
Image: picture alliance/Zuma Wire/K. Gustafson

The Hamburg-born player has made great strides in the sport this year, rocketing up to number three in the world rankings after winning five titles, including two Masters 1000 events.

Along with Federer, Zverev will play Wimbledon runner-up Marin Cilic and American Jack Sock, who crept into the tournament after winning the Paris Masters.

"It's an honor to play there in London, it's my first time and hopefully not my last," Zverev said in Milan where he took part in an exhibition match at the Next Gen Finals, having dropped out to concentrate on London. He will open his tournament against Cilic on Sunday.

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"I will try to prepare myself as well as I can and try to win many matches there."

The event brings together the highest-ranked male singles players and doubles teams on the ATP World Tour in 2017.

Rafael Nadal Rolex Paris Masters
Rafael Nadal had to withdraw from the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters because of a knee injuryImage: picture alliance/abaca/Y.Bohac

Nadal '100 percent'

Rafael Nadal heads the other group and will face Belgian David Goffin, Bulgarian debutant Grigor Dimitrov and Austrian Dominic Thiem.

After pulling out of the Paris Masters with a knee injury, the world number one is confident that he will be "100 percent fit" for the tournament.

"I've done everything I've needed to do in order to get ready for London... Let's see if I am able to be 100 per cent to compete," he told British broadcaster Sky Sports.

"I know I'm confident because I'm having a great season with one event to go. I am here to try my best."

mp/dv (Reuters, AP)