World number one Novak Djokovic won his last ATP Finals title in 2015 ©Getty Images

World number one Novak Djokovic says he is determined to end his five-year wait for a record-equalling sixth Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Finals trophy at the O2 Arena in London.

The Serbian won the title for the first time in 2008 before racking up four in a row between 2012 and 2015.

But he suffered the disappointment of finishing runner-up in 2016 and 2018 in his bid to join Swiss star Roger Federer on a record six crowns.

Russian Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev of Germany and Argentina’s Diego Schwartzman stand in Djokovic’s way in his group.

But Djokovic, who has lost just three matches all season, is optimistic about his chances of going all the way in the tournament which starts tomorrow.

"Coming into the tournament knowing I already clinched the year-end number one releases some of the pressure definitely, but at the same time it doesn’t change what I hope to achieve in this tournament and why I’m here," said Djokovic.

"I really want to win every single match that I get to play and try to get my hands on the trophy and I want this trophy as much as anyone here.

"I’m really hoping that I can end the season in the best possible way and the success that I had previously here in the past 10 years helps me feel more comfortable and confident about myself on the court."

The other group sees world number two Rafael Nadal pitted against Dominic Thiem of Austria, defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece and Russian Andrey Rublev.

Eight of the world's best players are set to go toe-to-toe at the O2 Arena in London ©Getty Images
Eight of the world's best players are set to go toe-to-toe at the O2 Arena in London ©Getty Images

Nadal, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, has yet to add the ATP Finals to his glittering résumé and Rublev is relishing the challenge of taking on the Spanish great on his debut tomorrow.

"He is one of the best players in the history of tennis, so I have nothing to lose," said Rublev.

"I'll go there to enjoy. 

"All the pressure will be on him and in the end, we will see what is going to happen. 

"I will try to do my best and we will see."

World number eight Rublev leads the ATP Tour this year in titles won with five and tour-level victories with 40.

"Of course, I am feeling nervous. It is my first time,” said Rublev.

"You are with all the best players here and of course, you feel nervous. This is a normal thing because we are all humans.

"This is the moment we are playing for and we are working for."

As well as Rublev’s meeting with Nadal, the opening day is set to see Thiem go up against Tsitsipas in a repeat of last year's final.

Qualification for this year’s event was based on ATP rankings instead of the Race to London standings due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The top two from each group will progress to the semi-finals with the final scheduled to take place on November 22.