Old versus the new: Previewing the ATP World Tour Finals title match

The ATP World Tour Finals champion, as well as the year-end No. 1 ranking, will be decided in London on Sunday between the old world No. 1 and the new.

Andy Murray has had a stellar back half of the season, with a second Wimbledon title, a gold medal in the Olympics, and a world No. 1 ranking for the first time. That newfound confidence was greatly needed, as he was pushed to his limits during his past two matches in the tournament, setting two records for the longest matches in ATP Finals history, first against Kei Nishikori, and then Milos Raonic, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (9) in three hours and 38 minutes.

Novak Djokovic has had a similar season, but from the front half. He triumphed in the first six months of 2016, winning both the Australian Open and the French Open, but he lost to Sam Querrey in the third round of Wimbledon and then the first round of the Olympics to Juan Martin del Potro. However, he seems to have regained some composure, demolishing Kei Nishikori in the semifinals in London, 6-1, 6-1. Now, he will be vying for his sixth ATP Finals title and to regain his world No. 1 status.

Who will win? If history is any indicator, then Djokovic. He leads their head-to-head 24-10 and has defeated Murray four of the last five finals they've faced off in. Murray also has played a few more hours than Djokovic during the tournament, meaning the Serb could have the physical advantage. However, the Brit has had a very strong second half of the season and is clearly a different player, both mentally and physically. Djokovic, on the other hand, seems to have lost a little of his aura, becoming more fractured and mentally distraught as the season has gone on. This week is a different Djokovic. He has said the indoor season helps him in London and he looks laser focused and ready to take back his throne.

Winner: Djokovic

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