New men’s world No. 1 Murray aims to shine next week
New men's world No. 1 Murray aims to shine next week
Andy Murray insisted he was taking nothing for granted going into the Tour Finals in London next week, after overtaking Novak Djokovic as the new world No. 1.
The 29-year-old celebrated his coronation by claiming a 14th Masters 1000 title on Sunday, with a 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 victory over American John Isner in Paris.
His career-best eighth tournament win of the season came just a day after he became the first British player to top the rankings since the system was introduced in 1973.
"It might be for only one week. So I might as well try and enjoy it, because I could lose it at the Tour Finals and never be there again," said Murray.
He moves 405 points above Djokovic in the latest rankings, but the Serb could regain his place at the top if he goes undefeated to land a fifth straight Tour Finals crown.
"I wasn't thinking so much about the cushion or anything like that at the top. I'm obviously happy I got there. It would be nice to finish the year No. 1, but I'm happy that I managed to get there," said Murray.
The Scot has struggled in London of late, exiting at the round-robin group stage twice after missing the 2013 event through injury.
"The last couple of years have been tough there for me. So, yeah, obviously I want to try and play my best tennis there.
"It's not necessarily about winning. I just want to play my best and finish the year on a good note in that respect, because some of the years have been tough for me there.
BIG PUSH
"So hopefully I can play some good tennis there. I will take a few days' break now, and rest a little bit and get ready for one big push out of the next 10 days."
With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal both sidelined, and Djokovic considerably short of his best, Murray will head into next season with lofty expectations.
"Obviously I'd love to win the Australian Open because it's sort of the next Major goal, beginning of next year, because I have been close a number of times and I have never quite done it," he added.
But the five-time Melbourne finalist ruled out looking too far ahead, pointing to his own rapid rise as evidence of how quickly circumstances can change.
Murray's victory in Paris means the "Big Four" have now won 56 of the last 61 Masters events dating back to Monte Carlo in 2010, but the Scot's return of just three Grand Slam titles leaves him well short of his rivals. - AFP.
WORLD TOUR FINALS
JOHN McENROE GROUP
- Andy Murray (Britain, 1)
- Stan Wawrinka (Switzerland, 3)
- Kei Nishikori (Japan, 5)
- Marin Cilic (Croatia, 7)
IVAN LENDL GROUP
- Novak Djokovic (Serbia, 2)
- Milos Raonic (Canada, 4)
- Gael Monfils (France, 6)
- Dominic Thiem (Austria, 9) *World rankings in brackets
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now