What Is 2010 ATP World Tour Finals – Singles

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2010 ATP World Tour Finals – Singles was won by Roger Federer, who defeated Rafael Nadal 6–3, 3–6, 6–1 in the final held on November 28, 2010, in London. It was Federer's fifth year-end championship title and his first since 2006.

Key Facts

Roger Federer won the 2010 ATP World Tour Finals – Singles title on November 28, 2010
Federer defeated Rafael Nadal 6–3, 3–6, 6–1 in the championship match
The tournament was held at The O2 Arena in London from November 21–28, 2010
Federer claimed his fifth ATP Finals title, first since 2006
Eight top-ranked players competed in a round-robin format before semifinals

Overview

The 2010 ATP World Tour Finals – Singles was the season-ending championship for the top eight male singles players on the ATP Tour, based on the ATP Rankings following the conclusion of the Grand Slam and ATP Tour calendar. Held annually since 1970, the event crowns the year’s most consistent performer, combining prestige with significant ranking points and prize money.

This edition took place at The O2 Arena in London, continuing a tradition that began in 2009. The 2010 tournament featured a star-studded field, including all four Grand Slam champions from that year, and culminated in a final between two of the sport’s greatest rivals: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Champion: Roger Federer won his fifth ATP Finals title, first since 2006, by defeating Rafael Nadal in three sets.
Final score: Federer won 6–3, 3–6, 6–1 in a match lasting 2 hours and 13 minutes on November 28, 2010.
Venue: The O2 Arena in London hosted the event from November 21 to 28, 2010, for the second consecutive year.
Qualifiers: Eight players qualified: Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, Söderling, Verdasco, Roddick, and Wawrinka.
Format: The tournament used a round-robin stage followed by semifinals and a final, with two groups of four players each.

How It Works

The ATP World Tour Finals is the culmination of the men’s professional tennis season, featuring only the top eight singles players based on year-long performance. The format, prize structure, and qualification criteria are designed to reward consistency and excellence.

Qualification: The top eight singles players in the ATP Race to London qualify, based on points earned during the calendar year.
Round-Robin Stage: Players are divided into two groups of four; each plays three matches, and the top two from each group advance.
Scoring System: Matches are best-of-three sets, with a Match Tiebreak (first to 10, win by 2) replacing the third set in round-robin matches.
Prize Money: The 2010 champion earned $1.62 million, with additional bonuses for undefeated runs and round-robin wins.
Points Awarded: An undefeated champion could earn up to 1,500 ATP ranking points, the highest for any non-Grand Slam event.
Seeding: Players are seeded based on year-end rankings, with the top two seeds placed in separate groups to avoid early matchups.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2010 ATP Finals compared to previous editions in terms of format, participants, and outcomes:

Year	Champion	Runner-Up	Score	Location
2010	Roger Federer	Rafael Nadal	6–3, 3–6, 6–1	London
2009	Nikolay Davydenko	Juan Martín del Potro	6–3, 6–4	London
2008	Novak Djokovic	Nikolay Davydenko	6–1, 7–5	Shanghai
2007	David Nalbandian	Roger Federer	6–3, 6–4	Shanghai
2006	Roger Federer	James Blake	6–0, 6–3, 6–4	Shanghai

The 2010 edition marked Federer’s return to dominance at the year-end championships after a four-year gap. Unlike 2009, when Davydenko won as a surprise champion, 2010 saw the top two seeds reach the final, reinforcing the event’s role as a true test of elite consistency.

Why It Matters

The 2010 ATP World Tour Finals was significant not only for its high-level tennis but also for its implications on legacies, rankings, and the sport’s global appeal. Federer’s victory reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s greats, even in the face of Nadal’s dominance earlier in the year.

Legacy boost: Federer’s fifth title tied him with Pete Sampras for the most ATP Finals singles titles at the time.
Rivalry milestone: The final was the 24th meeting between Federer and Nadal, deepening one of tennis’s most storied rivalries.
Rankings impact: The 1,500 points available helped solidify year-end No. 1 and No. 2 positions for Nadal and Federer, respectively.
Commercial success: The O2 Arena sold out all sessions, with over 180,000 fans attending, highlighting the event’s growing popularity in London.
Player motivation: Winning the ATP Finals is often seen as a greater achievement than some Grand Slams due to the field’s exclusivity.
Historical context: This was the last year the event used a Match Tiebreak in round-robin matches before reverting to full third sets in 2011.

The 2010 ATP World Tour Finals not only delivered thrilling tennis but also underscored the importance of season-long consistency in professional men’s tennis. Its blend of elite competition, structured format, and global stage continues to make it a cornerstone of the ATP calendar.