Sarcasm, anger and frustration was a prominent feature during Andy Murray’s record-breaking win over Kei Nishikori at the ATP Finals in London.
Facing a player that has taken him to five sets twice within the past 12 months, Murray knew Nishikori posed a stiff mental test for him as well as a physical one. Fortunately for the world No.1 and his army of British fans at the O2 Arena, he managed to come out on top.
“It wasn’t easy because I wasn’t able to dictate many of the points.” Said Murray. “More so in the third set I was able to, but not in the first couple sets. I was having to run, fight, get as many balls back as I could.”
Wednesday’s win was a significant one for Murray. Not only did it mean he goes up 2-0 in the tournament for the first time since 2008, he has also defeated his first top 5 opponent since Stan Wawrinka at the French Open. Relieved to grab the victory, the world’s top ranked player will be the first to admit that he lacked the usual dominance that is attributed to a world No.1.
“As the match went on, I was getting kind of frustrated, then becoming like sarcastic with myself that I couldn’t seem to hit the ball as clean as I wanted to. I don’t often do that, but I was definitely being more sarcastic towards myself than usual.” Murray admitted.
Regardless of the questionable action of the British player inside the O2 Arena, it has done little to derail his primary focus – ending the year as world No.1. Engaged in a heavy battle with Novak Djokovic for the year-end accolade, Murray knows what he must do in order to succeed.
“Concentrate on trying to win my own matches, get through as many as I can, make it as tough as possible for Novak to jump me.” He positively said.
Murray’s Djokovic battle might have already been won if this year’s Rio Olympic Games awarded players ranking points. At the event he became the first man in history to win back-to-back gold medals in the singles competition. It is one of his proudest moments and one that he cares passionately about.
“I think there should be points at the Olympics.” The world No.1 stated.
“For a lot of the players, we would play it regardless of whether there’s points or not. Winning a gold medal, that’s been like the proudest moments of my career, doing that. I would play whether there is no points or there is points.” He later added.
Refusing to ask himself the ‘what if’ question, Murray’s future in the tournament will be decided on Friday. Facing Stan Wawrinka in his final match of the John McEnroe group, the top seed is required to win at least one set to move to the last four.
Murray is edging closer to his goal, but there is still a long way to go.
