In the buildup to the ATP Finals in London Stan Wawrinka has spoken to British media about Andy Murray’s potential to reach the top of the rankings.
During an interview with TalkSport, the French Open champion believes that Murray has the ability to dethrone Djokovic, who has enjoyed a record breaking year on the tour. The Serbian will be bidding to claim his 11th title of the year at next week’s year-end finals. Djokovic has won three Grand Slam tournaments, six Masters titles and one ATP 500 title in 2015.
When Wawrinka was asked about the prospect of Murray becoming world No.1, the Swiss said that he believes the two-time Grand Slam champion has the potential.
“He can. He is number two so he is really close and he has won two Grand Slams [at the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon in 2013] and some big tournaments on clay courts”. Wawrinka said.
“Novak has been amazing and at a different level this year, but we will see because every year there is a chance to change that.”
Murray recently played Djokovic in the final of the Paris Masters where he suffered a straight sets defeat. In comparison to the Serbian, Murray has won four titles this year, including two masters titles. The Brit has played Djokovic seven times this year, winning just one of the encounters in the final of the Canadian Open. Despite there just being one place separating the two men in the ATP rankings, Djokovic currently leads Murray by 6815 points.
Wawrinka will join Murray and Djokovic at the O2 Finals next week. The Swiss will be in the Ile Natase group with Murray whilst Djokovic will play in the Stan Smith group with the prospect of facing Roger Federer. The top two of each group will progress to the semifinals. Wawrinka will play in the year-end tournament for the third consecutive year. Speaking about the O2 event, he called it ‘the best indoor tournament’ on the ATP Tour.
“Yes, I think it’s a dream for every player to play there (ATP Finals)”. Wawrinka said.
“I came here two years ago for the first time and it was an amazing event, it’s a crazy indoor stadium for playing tennis, which i enjoy”.
The ATP Finals will get underway on Sunday. The full draw can been seen here.
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