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Murray Takes London Title, Seals Year-End World Number One

Nov 20th 2016

A title at the last ATP event of the season and the year-end world no. 1 was at stake on Sunday in London. And in a match, that featured the man who dominated the first half of the year against the one who controlled the second, It was Andy Murray defeating Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 for the ATP World Finals Championship.

The tension was high in the first set as each player settled into a groove. But in the fifth game, Djokovic flinched slightly and an opening arose for the Scot. However, the Serb would button up the game and play remained on serve. But Murray would seize his opportunity in the next Djokovic service game, breaking to gain a 5-3 advantage and in a confident, precise effort, served out the set.

Andy Murray

Murray found his stride and carried the momentum into the second set where he gained an early service break. His defense was exemplary as he seemingly guided every Djokovic strike back into play. This forced Djokovic to rush shots and reduced his margin for error during points leading to key errors.  He finished the match with 30 unforced errors.

A second service break put a stranglehold on the match but the world no. 2 would not go without a fight as he gained one back. But it was too little, too late and Murray closed out the match, securing the world no. 1 spot at the end of the 2016 season.

Murray put his accomplishment into perspective, “I would like to try and stay there, obviously,” he said.  “It’s taken a huge effort the last five, six months to get there. I would obviously like to stay there. I’m aware that’s going to be extremely difficult because I had a great year this year. I only managed to do it by one match. To repeat that again next year is going to be extremely difficult. But now that I’ve got there, I obviously would be motivated to try and stay in that position. But yeah, I mean, the majors are what gets me working hard and what really, really motivates me.”

Murray, Djokovic

Djokovic suggested that it was time to take a break, “It’s been a long season, a very nice year, a lot to reflect on, a lot to take in. But, you know, it’s time to leave the racquet aside for a little bit, just recover, then I’ll start thinking about next season. Right now I’m actually looking forward to have a month and a half with no tournaments. That’s something that is a luxury in the men’s tennis.”

Murray will finish the season on a 24-match win streak in a year where he won 8 titles. During 2016, he won Olympic gold, his second Wimbledon championship, and three Masters titles.

Djokovic won the Australian Open and his first French Open title this year. After his championship at Roland Garros, he had held all four grand slams at once.

Both players will continue their battle for world no. 1 when play resumes in January in preparation for the 2017 Australian Open.