As Andy Murray celebrates his historic achievement of becoming world number one, Novak Djokovic still has a chance to regain his crown at next week’s ATP Finals in London.
After spending 122 consecutive weeks at the top of the ATP ranking system, this week Djokovic was overtaken by the inform Murray. The Brit clinched his fourth straight title on Sunday when he defeated John Isner at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris. Murray’s run to the final combined with Djokovic’s quarter-final exit was enough to secure him a place at the top.
“Congratulations Andy Murray! Very well deserved and hard fought milestone!” Djokovic wrote on social media.
“Your dedication and passion has paid off, and I am really happy to be in the same era with you!”
Heading into his final tournament of the season at the O2 Arena, Djokovic has been given a boost with his draw. The Serbian is set to play Milos Raonic, Gael Monfils and Dominic Thiem in the round robin stages. Throughout his career, Djokovic hasn’t lost to any of those players and currently boast a 23-0 win-loss record against them.
The favourable draw could prove significant in Djokovic’s bid to regain the world No.1 seeding. In order to return to the top, the 29-year-old has to defend his title and win at least two of his round robin matches. On the other hand, there are three scenarios which could result in Murray finishing the year as the best in the world.
It’s so confusing that this is the simplest way of putting it. Andy Murray is year-end world No 1 after London IF: pic.twitter.com/RGJfGp3EgX
— Stuart Fraser (@stu_fraser) 6 November 2016
One key factor in Djokovic’s advantage is his rival’s recent record at the tournament. Since reaching the semifinals in 2012, Murray has failed to progress beyond the round robin stages at the year-end event. Last year he suffered losses to Stan Wawrinka and Rafael Nadal.
“The last few years I haven’t played so well there, One year I played really well there and missed out by a game.” Said Murray.
“I feel tired at this stage of the season physically, but mentally I have been in a good place for a long time now this year and I don’t feel stressed at all away from the court.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic is bidding to become the first player in history to win a fifth consecutive year-end title and sixth overall.
Previous records at the tournament will not be enough on its own for the 12-time grand slam champion to surge back to the top. Murray starts his campaign with a 20-match winning streak on the tour. In comparison, Djokovic has failed to reach the final at his two previous tournaments.
The upcoming extravaganza provides the opportunity for the world’s best players to establish their dominance in the game. Whether one of those players will be Djokovic or Murray remains to be seen.
The #ATPFinals draw is done ✅ The groups are set ✅ The battle for year-end No1 could come down to the wire @TheO2: https://t.co/PdDuooaFnu pic.twitter.com/RHUleEAb78
— ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) 7 November 2016
