• ATP World Tour Finals

Tsonga out to deny Nadal rematch for Murray

Andy Murray had victory snatched away from him by Rafael Nadal at last year's ATP World Tour Finals © Getty Images

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• Profile: Andy Murray | Rafael Nadal | Jo-Wilfried Tsonga

Andy Murray will not get the chance to avenge last year's semi-final loss to Rafael Nadal at the ATP World Tour Finals, according to a confident Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Murray was kept apart from former world No. 1 Nadal during Tuesday's group stage draw, meaning he can meet the Spaniard in the last four. The Brit was beaten in a classic by Nadal at the same stage 12 months ago.

In order to reach the knockout rounds this time, Murray will need to finish in the top two of a group featuring Novak Djokovic, Tomas Berdych and David Ferrer. Based purely on world rankings, Murray would then face either Roger Federer or Nadal in the last four, but that is not the way Tsonga sees things going.

"Obviously it couldn't be an easy draw but it's a very good group for me," the Frenchman said. "I'll be playing against Roger once again (to whom he recently lost in the final of the BNP Paribas Masters).

"I'll play Rafa on a surface that suits me really well and I'll be expecting to beat Mardy Fish.

"Having played there three years ago will help me, because I won't be looking around telling myself: 'Oh, it's great to be here.' I'm not going there just to participate."

Murray, meanwhile, admits a sluggish start could see him out of the London tournament before he even gets going. Starting on Monday against Ferrer, the British No. 1 is eyeing a crucial opening victory.

"There are obviously no easy matches as it's only the top eight players in the world playing," Murray said. "That's what is so unique about this tournament. You have to be on top of your game from the very first match.

"I've been happy with my form. I've got some great memories from my run to the semi-finals last year; hopefully I can go even further this time round."

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