The ATP finals are the 2nd most prestigious tournament in tennis after the Grand Slams. This tournament which features top 8 ranked players in the world was started in 1970. Currently, the finals are played in the O2 arena in London. Several great players have been able to lift the trophy in the 49 year journey of the tournament. We take a look at top 5 title holders in the ATP finals.
5. Ilie Năstase
The Romanian was one of the initial winners of the ATP finals winning the title in its 2nd edition in 1971. He won the title 3 more time in 1972, 1973 and 1975.
After Năstase no other male Romanian player was able to win either this title or the Grand Slam in Men’s tennis.
4. Ivan Lendl
This Czech born power hitting baseliner was very successful at the ATP year-end finals. Lendl won this title 5 time in his career.
The 1st of those wins came in 1981 followed by a 2nd consecutive triumphs in 1982. After that Lendl won the trophy 3 more times in 1985, 1986 and 1987.
All of Lendl’s wins came when this championship was held in New York City in the decade of 1980s.
3. Pete Sampras
Sampras was the best male tennis player of 1990s, probably the best fast court player of all-time. Sampras was also very successful at the World tour finals, winning the titles 5 times in his career. He won the trophy when the tournament was being played in Germany.
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The American won it 1st time in 1991 in Frankfurt, followed by a 2nd title in 1994 in the same city. Sampras then won the tournament thrice when it was being played in Hanover.
2. Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has been described by tennis experts as the player of the last decade. This claim is solidified by the fact that the Serb has clinched the ATP finals 5 times in last 12 years.
Novak won the trophy 1st time in 2008, when it was being held in Shanghai. Since 2009, when the Championships have moved to London, Djokovic has been the most successful player in the event, coming out victorious 4 time in succession from 2012 to 2015.
1. Roger Federer
The most successful player in Men’s tennis so far is also the most successful player at the ATP finals. The Swiss legend has clinched the ATP year-end trophy 6 times in his fabulous career.
The 1st two of those wins came in Houston in 20013 and 2004, followed by 2 more in Shanghai in 2006 and 2007. At the O2 arena in London, Federer has won the tournament twice in the years of 2010 and 2011.