Andy Murray Overcomes Djokovic To Retain Top Spot
So much for the talks of Andy Murray losing out his No. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings just weeks after he earned it. The ATP World Tour Finals were not an easy game for the Scot or for the Serb, but both made it to the finals in a winner takes all. Had Novak Djokovic won the final against Murray, he would certainly be back on top. But that did not happen as Murray bettered his record at the O2 Arena in London to beat Djokovic 6-4, 6-3 in straight sets.
With this win at the O2 Arena the Great Scot adds to his already amazing trophy cabinet. Murray also broke Djokovic’s phenomenal win streak at the ATP World Tour Finals and continued his career best win streak to 24 matches. The happiness in the Murray family did not just stop at Andy, as Jamie Murray along with partner Bruno Soares too accomplished the no. 1 spot in the doubles.
Djokovic fails to overcome demons
The demons that grabbed the five-time ATP World Tour Finals winner since the Wimbledon this year continues to cost Novak Djokovic. The fight for the top spot in the world tennis has been a subject of heavy debate in recent times, more so after Andy Murray dethroned the Serbian. And, it was believed that it would only be a matter of weeks before the Serb reclaims the honours.
But that was not to be.
Both Djokovic and Murray made their claims at the final of the ATP World Tour Finals in London. While, Murray had his path filled with stones, overcoming the likes of Kei Nishikori, Stan Wawrinka and Milos Raonic. The Serbian however, faced an early scare against Dominic Thiem in the only three-setter played by the second seed.
Clinical Andy Murray edges past nemesis
Andy Murray went into the match having played a few more hours than Novak Djokovic in the ATP World Tour Finals. The two faced each other for the first time since their match at Roland Garros earlier in June. And, Murray earning the no. 1 spot without having beaten the former world no. 1 seemed a little incomplete.
The first set as expected began neck-to-neck between two of the strongest in world tennis. But, at 3-3, Murray made the break and later took the set comfortably. The Scot grew stronger in the second set as Djokovic continued to falter. Soon enough the score read 4-1 in favour of Murray. The Serbian from that moment fought back to salvage the set, breaking the serve once and keeping his serve to 4-3. But it was too little too late a push from the champion.
The final game was filled with tension as two match-points passed before Djokovic finally submit his title to Murray.
The Scot has now made Britain proud one more time, adding to his glorious year. This is Andy Murray’s year and no one can take it away from him anymore. But, Murray’s supporters would hope that his ultimate form continues throughout the next season and a winning start to the Australian opening might be the perfect way to do it.
With another trophy to boast in his cabinet, Murray can certainly be named among the great sports persons of Britain. Is he the greatest of them all, is a matter of personal perspective. But, after this victory, there will be no doubters to him being the best tennis player, at least for now.
Image Courtesy: BBC