The field for the 2021 ATP Finals is set. The top eight qualifiers have played their little hearts out all year long and have booked their ticket to arguably the most prestigious tournament outside of the four Grand Slams.

Leading the field is Novak Djokovic, who will finish the year number one a record seventh time, no matter who wins the title. There’s another record that Djokovic is going after though. If he wins the ATP Finals, Djokovic will tie Roger Federer’s six-year-end titles. After seeing Djokovic outlast Medvedev in the Paris Masters final, it is very likely that he could very well lift this trophy for the sixth time. However, before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s look at the contenders. These are the men that will need to play their very best to get through Djokovic.

Casper Ruud (8) and Hubert Hurkacz (7)

Both these guys didn’t make much noise in the Grand Slams this year, however, they did win a lot of matches and plenty of titles. Ultimately, they will be just happy to be at the ATP Finals, because they have absolutely zero chance of beating the likes of Medvedev and Djokovic in this tournament.

Matteo Berrettini (6) and Andrey Rublev (5)

Both these players have had great years, and they have the fire power to beat the very best in a two out of three-set match. If the top four guys want to get through these guys, they will need to be at their best. It is very likely we’ll see a couple of upsets from them, and potentially see one of them in a semifinal.

Stefanos Tsitsipas (4) and Alexander Zverev (3)

These guys are the top tier of men’s tennis, a notch behind Medvedev and Djokovic. Although Tsitsipas hasn’t had the success he had earlier in the year, he has won this tournament and is a real threat. The same with Zverev. He knows how to win this tournament. Both these guys are contenders.

Daniil Medvedev (2)

The top challenger is Medvedev. He’s played the most significant finals against Djokovic this year, and heading into this tournament, it’s becoming a true rivalry. Djokovic smoked Medvedev in the final of the Australian Open, only to get smoked by Medvedev in the US Open final. In Paris, it was a more even affair. Remember, Medvedev is the defending champ. Also, let’s not forget that the last three champions have been the new guys, not the old guys.