Novak Djokovic’s surprise quarterfinal loss at last week’s BNP Paribas Masters in Paris opened the door of opportunity for Andy Murray to clinch the number one ranking for the first time in his career. Knowing that this opportunity might just strike once, the Brit pounced and won his quarterfinal match against Tomas Berdych. With his semifinal match against Milos Raonic looming, Murray knew that this win would seal that coveted top ranking. That win happened. He did not have to sweat it out because Raonic had to pull out due to injury. With ample rest, the newly crowned world number one defeated John Isner of United States to secure the Paris title on Sunday. Murray will now head on to the year-end ATP World Tour Finals in London next week on a four-title, 19-match win streak.
The question now looms as to how long Murray can hold on to the number one ranking. Can erstwhile number one Novak Djokovic wrestle back that crown he’s held on for so many weeks? There are a lot of people betting on this, and bets vary a lot. M88 look like they came me up with a surefire answer as they regard Djokovic coming back to No 1 as sure thing.
The ATP World Tour Finals draw has been made with Djokovic and Murray on opposite ends. Murray is joined by reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic under Group John McEnroe. Djokovic will face off against Milos Raonic, Gael Monfils and Dominic Thiem in the round robin stages under Group Ivan Lendl.
The ATP Finals points from last season have fallen off and this leaves Murray with a 405-point lead over defending champion Djokovic. However, Murray has 275 ranking points from Davis Cup last year which will also fall off in a few weeks’ time which cuts the lead to just mere 130 points.
Here’s the scenario heading into the ATP World Tour Finals: (rr=round robin)
| ATP Player | No wins | 1 rr win | 2 rr wins | 3 rr wins | 1 rr win & runner-up | 2 rr wins & runner-up | 3 rr wins & runner-up | 1 rr win & title | 2 rr wins & title | 3 rr wins & title |
| Murray | 10910 | 11110 | 11310 | 11510 | 11510 | 11710 | 11910 | 12010 | 12210 | 12410 |
| Djokovic | 10780 | 10980 | 11180 | 11380 | 11380 | 11580 | 11780 | 11880 | 12080 | 12280 |
Murray does have a realistic view on his rise to the top of the rankings.
“It might only be for one week,” the new number one said. “So I might as well try and enjoy it, because I could lose it at the Tour Finals and never be there again. So I was really happy about that and hopefully will feel the same way going into London, as well. I’m sure I will, because you’re competing against the best players in front of a big crowd there.”
