Andy Murray is now the top ranked player in men’s singles tennis. A career year in 2016 proved to be a tipping point for the Scottish tennis star.
Andy Murray is the new top ranked ranked player on the ATP World Tour.
Wins late in 2016, topped off win a season-ending ATP World Tour Finals title thrust Murray into the top spot past his friend and rival Novak Djokovic. Now, it is up to Murray and his team to remain on top.
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A win at the 2016 Wimbledon Championships and a men’s singles gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games in Rio showed that Murray was ready to take the top position in men’s tennis.
His second half of 2016 proved that he and his team understand what it takes to be number 1. Strategic wins at ATP tournaments in Asia carried right into fantastic play in Vienna, Paris, and ultimately again in London at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals.
In London, he outplayed longtime friend and rival Djokovic.
Murray has surrounded himself with the right team. After a brief break in their partnership, Ivan Lendl is again the Scot’s coach. Lendl is a former world number 1 himself and has been credited with helping Murray play more assertive on the court. While the 29-year-old’s defensive play has been consistent throughout his career, he now also plays with poise and confidence on the offensive side.
Mental improvements are evident in Murray’s game over the last several years. His second serve is far more reliable than it ever has been. Minimizing errors and remaining confident throughout matches has brought Murray to a level few players can touch.
The tennis world is awaiting a healthy and strong return of both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. 2016 was largely dominated by the young guns in men’s tennis, including the likes of Milos Raonic and Kei Nishikori. Add the other top players in 2016 into the mix, a healthy Nadal and Federer, and of course an eager and now dethroned Djokovic, and you have a real test for Murray.
If ever there is a time he can separate himself from the field, it is now.
Andy Murray will enter the next ATP World Tour season ready to leave a lasting mark on the sport of tennis.
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