Andy Murray, Novak Djokovic cruising at BNP Paribas Masters
Andy Murray is on track to overtake the ATP world number 1 ranking from Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic. Both players are stepping up their game at the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris, France.
Andy Murray handled local French favorite Lucas Pouille in the third round of the BNP Paribas Masters 6-3, 6-0. The 22-year-old Pouille is having a stellar year. He reached his highest singles career ranking in late September. His play, however, was not enough against the surging Murray.
Murray moves on to face Tomas Berdych in a quarter-final matchup. In order to take the world number ranking from Novak Djokovic in Paris, Murray must face anyone but the Serbian tennis star in the finals.
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Djokovic also showed heart in his third round victory over Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. Fighting back, Djokovic took the match 4-6, 6-2, 6-3. The current world number 1 understands what’s at stake in Paris and then soon after at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, England. The battle over number 1 does not end in Paris.
No matter what happens this week, London brings Murray and Djokovic into a highly competitive field for the end of the year ATP Finals tournament. Both players are playing tremendous tennis at the moment. Murray, who remains in the world number 2 position, has held his ranking for 76 weeks. The British star is attempting to become the first of his countrymen to hold the number 1 ranking in the modern era.
Djokovic faces Marin Cilic in his next match. He has beaten Cilic all 14 of their encounters thus far. Despite their match history, Cilic remains the world number 10. He is eager for the challenge.
The fight for world number 1 rages on in Paris through the weekend and does not stop there. Both Murray and Djokovic will refocus their energy on the ATP World Tour Finals in London.
Check back for updates on the BNP Paribas Masters in Paris, the men’s ATP World Tour Finals, and other tennis news from Lob and Smash.
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