“[Tomorrow’s final] is one of the biggest matches we will ever play against each other”.
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The first real test of the match for both came in Djokovic’s third service game. And he did it, rather easily.
Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic will play for end of year world No 1 honours when they meet in the final of the ATP Finals in London.
It was a second-set lead that wasn’t to last long however, Murray immediately hitting four consecutive points to break to love, a crushing forehand the decisive blow as he took the momentum forward.
There was a brief wobble from Murray, who saved a match point in his epic semi-final win over Milos Raonic, after he had claimed a double-break to lead 4-1 in set two. “I played some great points and managed to get the break at the end”, Murray said.
“I pretty much executed everything that I tactically planned to do before the match”.
Djokovic refused to give Murray any leeway in his first three games on serve. Djokovic served out his game in love, and narrowed score to 3-4.
Djokovic made some key errors in the first set, missing what would otherwise have been routine shots for the Serb; those found their way into the net.
“Very special day. We have played grand slam finals”.
Having effectively handed Murray the number one ranking by withdrawing ahead of their semi-final in Paris two weeks ago, Raonic now had the chance to deal a hammer blow to the Scot’s hopes of keeping it.
He took over the top spot on November 7 after winning his eighth title of the season at the Paris Masters.
On Sunday, he capped a long stretch of playing some of the best tennis of his life, and the best tennis in the world. “I’m exhausted”, he said. “You never beat a player as good as Novak if you don’t play well”.
At that stage, Djokovic held all four grand slam trophies.
The occasion was the French Open final 2016. Djokovic said, “No, I did not feel threatened”.
Murray admitted he will struggle to produce his best in the final, adding: “Obviously I’m exhausted”.
Djokovic was graceful in defeat and full of praise for Murray.
Novak Djokovic believes Andy Murray should be allowed to enjoy ending the season as world No 1, and not be questioned about keeping the ranking in 2017.
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Murray was more circumspect, not wanting to give Djokovic even a sliver of a psychological advantage, but he could not deny he was spent after a match that demanded as much mental fortitude as physical stamina.
