Andy Murray defeats Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6 (7-1) 6-1 to win the Shanghai Rolex Masters. The win brings Murray closer to overtaking Novak Djokovic’s world number 1 ranking.
Murray is eyeing the world number 1 ranking currently held by Djokovic. He hopes to reach number 1 by early next season and he is right on track.
In the last few months, I have won a lot of matches and made improvements. I have been moving forward better and changed the direction of the ball better. I have also come up with some bigger serves when I have needed them.
My goal wasn’t to finish number one at the end of this year but in the early parts of next year there is an opportunity – 900 points doesn’t seem like loads.
But Novak will win matches. He is the best player in the world. I don’t think he has lost an indoor game in a long time.
Between Murray and Djokovic, men’s tennis will have an intense competition over the next year for the number 1 ranking. Both will not only be competing with one another, but also the likes of superstars such as Rafael Nadal at the number 5 ranking. Nadal had an early exit from Shanghai but hopes to be back in competitive shape early next season.
Andy Murray: 2016 @SHRolexMasters champion. pic.twitter.com/q1og70Fh58
— SH Rolex Masters (@SHRolexMasters) October 16, 2016
The win at Shanghai is Murray’s third. He also won back-to-back in 2010 and 2011. The world number 2 appears to be at the top of his game and in good shape moving into the ATP World Tour Finals and the race for number 1.
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