Andy Murray's dismal record against Novak Djokovic is last barrier to true greatness
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Updated 07/11/2016 at 23:03 GMT
Former British number one Tim Henman claims Andy Murray can be the dominant force in tennis, but there remains a formidable roadblock in the form of Novak Djokovic if such an ambition is to be realised, writes Desmond Kane.
Serbia's Novak Djokovic (R) speaks with Britain's Andy Murray after winning the men's final match at the Roland Garros 2016 French Tennis Open in Paris on June 5, 2016
Image credit: AFP
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One swallow does not make a summer. And one week at world number one does not make a dominant force.
Andy Murray has been the most consistent player in the world in 2016 – eight titles testify to that – but he also knows that Novak Djokovic could yet relieve him of that position after the World Tour finals conclude in London on November 20.
A number of permutations could see the pair swap places. A fifth straight title and sixth in total for Djokovic at the event, or going further than Murray at the O2, or beating the Scot in the final, will see him back in first place before 2016 is out.
And he might view his dethroning at the weekend in Paris as a temporary blip as he settles down over his Christmas dinner.
Not that Murray will be overly concerned about such happenings.
Looking forward, the challenge for Murray, perhaps his biggest remaining in the game, is not only to establish himself at the summit of tennis, but to make a bigger dent in Novak Djokovic’s superiority over him. Especially at the Grand Slams.
'A physical and psychological barrier'
It should not be overlooked that since becoming world number one in the summer of 2014, Djokovic has enjoyed 12 wins to two whenever the pair have squared up. He has an overall career winning record of 24-10 against Murray. In Grand Slam meetings, he leads 8-2.
Murray has managed wins at the Toronto Masters and the Rome Masters over the past two years, but the Serb has been almost impregnable at the Grand Slams, enjoying wins over his closest rival in the 2016 French Open final, the 2015 French Open semi-finals, two Australian Open finals in 2015 and 2016, and the US Open quarter-finals in 2014.
Not only is the barrier physical, it is also psychological. Both aged 29, Murray must believe he can get the better of his nemesis.
Success is being happy," said Murray after losing in four sets to Djokovic at the 2015 Australian Open final. "It’s not about winning every single tournament you play, because that isn’t possible. You want to win every event, that’s for sure. That’s what you prepare for. But no-one in the history of this game has ever done that.
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Serbia's Novak Djokovic (R) shakes hands with Britain's Andy Murray while holding the men's singles trophy after winning their final match at the Australian Open
Image credit: Reuters
If you consider the fact that Djokovic only led 12-8 overall before he became world number one, Murray should relish the prospect of attempting to redress the balance with the stature of number one likely to give him fresh impetus to kick on.
It was certainly an endorsement that seemed to benefit the Serbian player two years ago. Emboldened by his fresh status at the top of the rankings, Djokovic has been the main protagonist in tennis with his haul of Grand Slams doubling from six to 12 over his past three years of relative dominance.
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Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic after 2013 Wimbledon final
Image credit: Imago
Like Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic, Murray would dearly love to become only the fifth man in the modern era to swat his way to a career Grand Slam by adding the Australian Open, where he has lost five finals, four to Djokovic, and the French Open to his back catalogue, but even his previous successes hint at what confronts him. And how difficult such a task may prove to be.
Murray had to twice find a way to unlock Djokovic in winning his first two majors at the US Open in 2012 and Wimbledon a year later. It was also his last notable win over Djokovic.
'Murray's last big test in tennis'
While Murray's consistency has carried him to number one, there is always another challenge and test around the corner. Adding validity to his standing may only come by stemming the irrepressible tide that engulfs him when he faces Djokovic.
Federer faced a similar issue with Rafael Nadal. The Swiss is regarded as the greatest, but some critics wonder how the greatest can have lost so many matches to his main foe. Nadal has a 23-11 winning record against his rival, 9-2 in Grand Slams. Federer's last major win over Nadal was in the 2007 Wimbledon final.
Of course, Murray could retire tomorrow and be thrilled with his lot whatever happens from here on in. But something suggests that is not in his DNA.
Self-fulfilment comes from within. Murray will retire a happier man if he solves the Djokovic condundrum.
And work begins in earnest. The World Tour finals is coveted, but London also provides the chance to make a timely statement before Melbourne in January.
Desmond Kane
What the experts say
Tim Henman - former British number one
I don't think Andy was ever going to settle for second best. Now he's reached number one I don't think for any moment in time he's going to take his foot off the gas. If Andy stays fit and healthy, I can see him being the dominant force going forward. If you're going to put a number on it, you'd like him to get to 52 weeks at the top. Who knows from there?
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Britain's Andy Murray and ex-tennis player Tim Henman (L) laugh as they take part in a charity game of tennis at the Queen's Club in west London June 16, 2013.
Image credit: Reuters
Leon Smith - GB Davis Cup captain
He's got a lot to look forward to as we move into 2017. It will mean a lot to him. He's worked that hard to get to that point now. The way the points system works, he's got a good opportunity if you look at the first quarter of 2017 with two big Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami where he didn't perform at his best so he doesn't have many points to defend so that's an opportunity for him.
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Great Britain's Andy Murray celebrates with captain Leon Smith during his match against Japan's Kei Nishikori
Image credit: Reuters
Jamie Delgado - Murray's assistant coach
The toughest thing to do in our sport is to be regarded as the best player over 12 months. It's not just this year. He has worked incredibly hard his whole career and it all culminated in officially becoming the best player in the world.
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Great Britain's Andy Murray, coach Ivan Lendl (R) and assistant coach Jamie Delgado.
Image credit: Eurosport
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