Dimitrov became the first debutant to win the title since Àlex Corretja in 1998, and it marked the first time since 2008 that two first-time finalists contested the final.

[1][2] Andy Murray was the reigning champion, but did not qualify for the event this year due to injury.

1 and five-time champion Novak Djokovic failed to qualify for the first time since 2006, having ended his season early due to an elbow injury.

Alexander Zverev, Dimitrov, Jack Sock and Pablo Carreño Busta (as an alternate replacing Rafael Nadal) made their debuts.

[3] Roger Federer participated in the Tour Finals for a record-extending 15th time, but was defeated in the semifinals by Goffin.