London: Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic will stage a dramatic battle to finish 2016 on top of the world as the two old rivals aim for the title at the ATP Tour Finals.
A friendly rivalry that began 15 years ago when they first faced off in European junior tournaments will reach a new level over the week as they fight to end the year as the world number one.
Murray shattered Djokovic’s 122-week reign at the top last weekend when the Wimbledon champion became the first British man to reach pole position in the ATP rankings. But Murray has only a 405-point lead over Djokovic in the rankings and can be passed by the Serb if he doesn’t match or better his rival’s performance at the prestigious season-ending event at London’s O2 Arena.
As the top two seeds, Murray and Djokovic have been drawn in different groups in the eight-player tournament, meaning they can’t meet before the semis.
Murray has enjoyed an incredible 11 months on and off the court in which he has won Wimbledon for the second time, andclaimed a second Olympic singles gold medal Although Murray has lost 24 of his clashes with Djokovic, few of his peers on the Tour question his right to be number one after such a strong year.
Serbian looks to arrest slump
Djokovic has been in a slump since winning the French Open in June to complete his career Grand Slam, raising questions about his appetite for continued success. But the 12-time major winner might find the O2 Arena the ideal venue to restore his confidence.He has won the Tour Finals for the last four years and another success this year would equal Federer’s record of six titles.With Federer and Rafael Nadal absent due to injury, Djokovic and Murray will be the centre of attention. In contrast, Murray, who has never been past the semis of the event has to face a tough competition ahead.
