The stakes are different for each of the tennis players in the 2008 ATP Tennis Masters Cup tournament in Shanghai.  Everyone who qualified has had a very strong year, but the results of this final tennis tournament of the year matter in different ways for each of them.  So what’s at stake for each of the players?

Roger Federer – Without Rafael Nadal at the tournament, Federer will want to stamp his claim on the Number One ranking for 2009 by winning here…

Novak Djokovic – A title here would “book-end” his year and position him well at the top of game as he prepares to defend his 2008 Australian Open title.

Andy Murray – On the rise since reaching the 2008 U.S. Open final, Murray could prove he deserves to be considered as a possible Number One ranked player in 2009 by winning the title here.

Nikolay Davydenko – It’s his fourth straight appearance at the Masters Cup, but winning the title this year would surprise many given his performance at the Grand Slams in 2008 where he never advanced past the round of 16.

Andy Roddick – He needs another major title and a win in Shanghai could be the springboard he needs to have a realistic chance to win another Grand Slam in 2009.

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga – He’s back where he started the year, i.e. on a hot streak, and a win here, especially over Roger Federer, would place him in the very top echelons of tennis for 2009.

Juan Martin del Potro – He’s had a very strong second half of the year rising into the top ten, but has yet to win a major title… it’s only a matter of time and may happen in Shanghai!

Gilles Simon – He’s the dangerous floater in the draw at Shanghai and could post some surprising wins, but winning the title would be the shocker of the year!