Murray vies with Djokovic in London for trophy and status
Andy Murray takes on Novak Djokovic on Sunday for two accolades. The first is the victor’s trophy at the prestigious end of season championships. The second is the status as the end of year world number one.
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Djokovic knows both terrains alarmingly well. He has won the tournament at the O2 Arena for the past four years and is seeking a fifth consecutive title at the venue in south-east London as well as a record equalling sixth crown overall.
He finished 2015, 2014 as the head man. He was also leading the rankings in December in 2011 and 2012.
As the 29-year-olds prepare for their 35th battle, the force is with Djokovic. He has won 24 of their encounters and he reached the final serenely while Murray’s journey was laced with difficulties.
Djokovic advanced after beating Kei Nishikori 6-1 6-1 in 65 minutes. He looked barely ruffled when he spoke after his breeze past the 26-year-old fifth seed. “All in all it was a really good performance against Kei," said the Serb. "I was committed right until the end. Even when I was leading 6-1 5-1, I was focusing on my shots.”
Murray needed three hours and 38 minutes to dispose of the fourth seed Milos Raonic. On 16 November, in the group stages Murray and Nishikori battled three hours and 20 minutes in what was then the record duration for a three set match at the championships.
Within a few days, Murray had broken his own record. And the question his legion of fans will ask: has he smashed his chances of winning the title for the first time and also extending his stay as world number one?
“It was a hard match against Milos, physically and mentally,” said Murray. “I was a set down and a break down. It was mentally tiring. I fought hard as I have done all week. The only thing I can do is go away and recover as best I can and do the best in the final.”
Murray has enjoyed two weeks as world number one. He is the first British man to attain the top spot since the rankings system was computerised in 1973. His ascendance follows an explosion of excellence following his loss to Djokovic in the French Open final in Paris in June.
Since then he has won the Queen’s title and Wimbledon on grass in London as well as gold in the singles at the Olympics in Rio. There were titles in Beijing, Shanghai, Vienna and the Paris Masters - during which he toppled Djokovic as number one.
“Having got there, it would be nice to finish the year as number one,” said Murray wryly.
Djokovic will be fresh and firing to restore what he considers the proper order. The partisans will be in full voice to disabuse him of his notions.
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