What Is 2009 ATP World Tour Finals

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2009 ATP World Tour Finals was held from November 22–29, 2009, in London, featuring the top 8 singles and doubles players. Nikolay Davydenko won the singles title, defeating Juan Martín del Potro in the final.

Key Facts

Tournament dates: November 22–29, 2009
Location: The O2 Arena, London, United Kingdom
Singles champion: Nikolay Davydenko
Final score: Davydenko d. del Potro 6–1, 7–6(4)
Doubles champions: Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan

Overview

The 2009 ATP World Tour Finals marked the season-ending championship of the men's professional tennis tour, bringing together the year's top eight singles and doubles players based on ATP rankings. Held at The O2 Arena in London, the event continued a five-year run in the UK capital, showcasing elite competition in a round-robin format followed by knockout semifinals and finals.

This edition was particularly notable for dramatic comebacks and standout performances, culminating in Nikolay Davydenko’s first title at the event. The tournament offered a record prize pool of $5 million, with undefeated champions eligible for a maximum payout of $1.63 million, reflecting the ATP’s push to elevate the event’s prestige.

November 22–29, 2009: The tournament spanned eight days, beginning with round-robin matches and concluding with finals on the final Sunday.
The O2 Arena, London: Hosted the event for the second consecutive year, drawing over 150,000 fans across the week.
Nikolay Davydenko: Entered as the seventh seed and became the lowest-ranked champion since 2001, winning all five matches without dropping a set.
Round-robin format: Eight players were split into two groups of four, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.
Prize money: A total of $5 million was on offer, with undefeated singles champions earning $1.63 million—the highest payout in tour history at the time.

How It Works

The ATP World Tour Finals is the season-ending championship that caps the men’s tennis calendar, rewarding consistency and excellence over the full year. Only players who finish in the top 8 of the ATP Race to London qualify, making it one of the most exclusive events in sports.

Qualification: Players earn points throughout the year; only the top 8 in the ATP Race qualify. In 2009, Rafael Nadal missed due to injury, replaced by No. 9 Juan Carlos Ferrero.
Format: The singles draw uses a round-robin structure with two groups of four. Each player competes in three round-robin matches, with top two advancing.
Scoring: Matches are best-of-three sets, including a 10-point match tiebreak if sets are split. This format encourages aggressive play and minimizes fatigue.
Seeding: Seeds are based on year-end rankings. In 2009, Novak Djokovic was the top seed, followed by Andy Murray and del Potro.
Doubles competition: Also features eight teams, with the Bryan brothers winning in 2009 after defeating Knowles/Nestor 7–6(5), 6–4.
Surface: Played on indoor hard courts, specifically DecoTurf, the same surface used at the US Open, favoring big servers and aggressive baseliners.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2009 ATP Finals compared to previous editions in key categories:

Year	Location	Singles Champion	Prize Pool	Attendance
2005	Shanghai	David Nalbandian	$3.2 million	68,000
2006	Shanghai	Roger Federer	$3.5 million	72,000
2007	Shanghai	David Nalbandian	$4 million	98,000
2008	London	Novak Djokovic	$4.45 million	145,000
2009	London	Nikolay Davydenko	$5 million	155,000

The move to London significantly boosted attendance and prize money, with 2009 marking a peak in both categories. The O2 Arena’s central location and entertainment amenities contributed to record-breaking fan engagement, solidifying the event’s status as a marquee sports spectacle.

Why It Matters

The 2009 ATP World Tour Finals was a turning point for several players and the tour’s global profile. It highlighted the depth of talent beyond the 'Big Three' and reinforced London’s role as a premier tennis destination.

Davydenko’s breakthrough: His title was the biggest of his career, proving that consistency could overcome lower seeding and expectations.
Injury impact: Rafael Nadal’s absence opened the door for Ferrero, underscoring how injuries can reshape elite tournaments.
US Open connection: Juan Martín del Potro’s run to the final mirrored his recent US Open win, showing his hard-court prowess.
Financial growth: The $5 million purse signaled the ATP’s commitment to closing the gap with other major sports events.
Fan experience: The O2’s concert-hall setup with premium seating and entertainment elevated the event beyond tennis.
Global reach: Broadcast in over 150 countries, the tournament expanded the ATP’s international viewership and sponsorship appeal.

Ultimately, the 2009 ATP World Tour Finals was more than a season finale—it was a showcase of resilience, rising stars, and the sport’s evolving economics, setting the stage for future growth.