What Is 2017 ATP World Tour Finals – Singles

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 ATP World Tour Finals – Singles was the season-ending championship for the top eight male singles players, held from November 12–19, 2017, in London. Grigor Dimitrov won his first ATP Finals title by defeating David Goffin 7–5, 4–6, 6–3 in the final.

Key Facts

Tournament took place from November 12–19, 2017
Held at The O2 Arena in London, England
Grigor Dimitrov won the singles title
Dimitrov defeated David Goffin 7–5, 4–6, 6–3 in the final
This was Dimitrov's first ATP Finals title

Overview

The 2017 ATP World Tour Finals – Singles marked the culmination of the men's professional tennis season, featuring the top eight singles players based on the ATP rankings. Held annually, the event serves as the season finale and offers the highest ranking points and prize money outside Grand Slams.

This edition was particularly notable as it saw a breakthrough performance from a first-time champion. Played under the round-robin format followed by knockout semifinals and final, the tournament showcased elite-level consistency and endurance over eight days.

Event Dates: The tournament ran from November 12–19, 2017, concluding the 2017 ATP Tour season at The O2 Arena in London.
Champion:Grigor Dimitrov claimed his first ATP Finals title, defeating David Goffin in a three-set final with a score of 7–5, 4–6, 6–3.
Format: Eight players were divided into two groups of four, playing round-robin matches, with the top two from each group advancing to the semifinals.
Prize Money: The winner earned $2.2 million, the largest payout in the tournament’s history at the time, reflecting its elite status.
Surface: Matches were played on indoor hard courts, a surface favoring fast play and aggressive baseline strategies.

How It Works

The ATP World Tour Finals is structured to reward season-long performance, with qualification based strictly on year-end rankings. Only the top eight singles players qualify, making it one of the most exclusive events in tennis.

Qualification: Players must finish in the top 8 of the ATP rankings after the ATP Paris Masters; alternates are used if any qualifier withdraws.
Group Stage: The draw is split into two groups of four, named after past legends; each player competes in three round-robin matches.
Advancement: The top two players from each group advance to the semifinals, with winners progressing to the final.
Scoring: Matches are best-of-three sets, with a 10-point match tiebreak replacing the third set if needed in group matches.
Points: Winners earn up to 1,500 ATP ranking points, the highest available in a non-major tournament.
History: The event has been held at The O2 Arena in London since 2009 and is contracted to remain there through 2020.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2017 ATP Finals champion and runner-up, highlighting key stats and performance metrics:

Player	Rank at Event	Wins in 2017	Finals Played	Head-to-Head vs. Opponent
Grigor Dimitrov	3	22	6	2–1 (vs. Goffin)
David Goffin	7	48	4	1–2 (vs. Dimitrov)
Rafael Nadal	1	63	6	Withdrew due to injury
Roger Federer	2	52	6	Lost in semifinals
Alexander Zverev	4	50	5	Lost in group stage

The table illustrates how Dimitrov’s consistent performance across the week, despite fewer annual wins than Nadal or Federer, led to his triumph. While Goffin reached his first ATP Finals final, he lacked prior experience at this stage. Nadal withdrew due to injury, underscoring the physical toll of the season. Federer, though seeded second, fell to Dimitrov in the semifinals. Zverev, a rising star, failed to advance despite a strong season.

Why It Matters

The 2017 ATP World Tour Finals was a pivotal moment in men’s tennis, signaling a shift as younger players began challenging the dominance of Federer and Nadal. Dimitrov’s victory marked the first time a player outside the Big Four (Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray) won the title since 2003.

Historic Win: Dimitrov became the first Bulgarian to win the ATP Finals, a milestone for his nation’s tennis development.
End of Dominance: The win signaled a changing of the guard, as younger players started claiming major titles previously monopolized by the Big Four.
Ranking Impact: Dimitrov rose to a career-high No. 3 in the ATP rankings following the victory.
Financial Reward: The $2.2 million prize was the largest in tournament history, highlighting the event’s growing prestige.
Legacy: The tournament’s final years in London (2009–2020) were marked by high attendance, with over 280,000 fans attending the 2017 edition.
Global Reach: Broadcast in over 180 countries, the ATP Finals remains one of the most-watched annual tennis events.

The 2017 ATP World Tour Finals not only crowned a new champion but also symbolized the evolving landscape of men’s tennis, with emerging stars gaining ground on long-established champions. Its blend of elite competition, high stakes, and global attention ensures its status as a cornerstone of the ATP calendar.