Top seed Andy Murray will end the season as the world number one after brushing aside rival Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4, to win the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
The highly publicised encounter had a lot at stake for both men. Murray was trying to become the first British player to win the ATP Finals and end the year at the top of the rankings for the first time. Meanwhile, defending champion Djokovic had a chance of achieving a record fifth consecutive title in London and reclaim his number one ranking.
Playing in front of a packed crowd at the O2 Arena, the start of the match lived up to the high expectations. Murray initially appeared tentative early on, but fended off Djokovic’s attacks. In contrast, the Serbian enjoyed a perfect start by winning nine consecutive service points in his first three games. Despite the promise shown by Djokovic, Murray’s game plan of forcing his opponent to play the extra shot during lengthy rallies paid off. A forehand hit deep into the corner of the court was too much for Djokovic to contend with as Murray broke for a 5-3 lead, sending the crowd into hysteria. Nerves were vacant as Murray served for the set as a costly error from his rival secured the lead.
Enduring a marathon encounter with Milos Raonic on Saturday, it appeared that the physical consequence of that match had no bearing on the performance of the 29-year-old. With history in his sight, it appeared inevitable that win would be Murray’s as he raced to 4-1 against his error-prone opponent. Djokovic did refuse to exit the match without a fight as he retrieved one of the breaks to move to just one game behind in the second set. The pressure was once again place on Murray’s shoulders and once against he triumphed as he battled towards a game away from glory.
Four points away from the title, few could dispute the apprehension and excitement felt by Murray and his camp. A failed Djokovic lob rewarded the Brit his first match point before a successful smash from the Serbian denied him. It wasn’t until the third match point where he got his jubilation. Another sharp serve was returned out by Djokovic, sealing Murray’s place in the record books.
The match stats from Murray’s victory over Djokovic @TheO2. #ATPFinals pic.twitter.com/7egIc25wlx
— TennisTV (@TennisTV) 20 November 2016
“I am very happy to win and to be world number one is very special. It is something I never expected.” Said Murray during his trophy presentation.
“My team have been around a long time, and my family have been there from the very start and made lots of sacrifices so I thank them.”
Becoming the first player to save a match point on route to the year-end title since Roger Federer in 2010, Murray is the first man outside of the big three (Nadal, Djokovic and Federer) to seal the year-end ranking since Andy Roddick in 2003.
It is the first time Djokovic has ended his season in second place since 2013 after what has been a roller coaster second half of the year. Nevertheless, the Serbian exits London disappointed, but satisfied with his performance.
“It has been a fantastic year with some great highlights, especially in the first six months. Andy is definitely number one in the world. He deserved to win. He is the best player. “ Said Djokovic.
“In the decisive moments I wasn’t able to come back. I played better late in the match, but it wasn’t enough.
“I wish him and his team all the best for the year.”
Murray leaves London with a pay-packet of $2,391,000 as well as 1500 ranking points.
