Group John McEnroe
Andy Murray
Eighth appearance at the o2 for the new World No 1, who knows a win would allow him to stay top dog as 2017 begins. Now 29, the Scot has made it to the semi-finals three times but not since 2012. Has appeared here on finals day, though. That came in the same year, when he appeared in place of Roger Federer, when the Swiss legend pulled out after beating him 6-0, 6-1 in the semi-final.
Stan Wawrinka
Like Murray, the Swiss has three Grand Slam titles to his name, and is three times a semi-finalist here. Had won three consecutive encounters with the Scot, including a round-robin meeeting until losing in four sets at the French Open in June. Murray leads 9-7 on head-to-head but Wawrinka is an excellent hard court player.
Kei Nishikori
Involved in two hard court epics at least against Murray already this year - going down in five on Davis Cup duty in Birmingham then getting revenge against the Scot in a thrilling US Open quarter final. Third year in a row that the Japanese player has reached this stage, even if he was embarrassed 6-1, 6-1 by Djokovic 12 months ago.
Marin Cilic
The man who handed Andy Murray the World No 1 ranking when he defeated Novak Djokovic at the quarter final stage in Paris now becomes an obstacle which Murray must overcome to keep it. The Croat, who takes on the 29-year-old first up, has won just three of the duo's 14 career meetings, but one came this year in the final at Cincinnati.
Group Ivan Lendl
Novak Djokovic
It seems strange to find the Serbian at the World No 2 spot, but whether his recent demotion will fire him into fresh life remains to be seen. On the face of it, he has discovered a nice spot in this draw, as he seeks the two round robin wins and overall victory which would see him be year-end No 1 for the fourth time.
Milos Raonic
Withdrawal from Paris with a quad problem gave Murray the World No 1 slot, so unlikely to be at his best in London. This is a shame, because the Canadian-Montenegrin has made excellent progress this season and would have been a man to watch.
Gael Monfils
Flamboyant Frenchman who has risen to a career high ranking of No 6 at the age of 30. Amazingly, has never gone beyond the semi-finals of any slam but promises to be an excellent addition to this tournament on his maiden appearance at the o2.
Dominic Thiem
The big-serving young Austrian baseliner is another debutant in this event. Started the year ranked 20 in the world, but the 23-year-old has risen to the top ten. Made semi-final for the first time at a Grand Slam at the French Open.
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