Andy Murray searching desperately for an edge against Novak Djokovic in No 1 showdown

It’s tough to imagine Ivan Lendl asking Andy Murray to send ‘pleasant’ thoughts’ to a container of boiled rice.

But perhaps the Scot's coach should start straight away.

For that is one of the techniques which Pepe Imaz, an advisor on whom Novak Djokovic has become increasingly reliant during his dip in form over the past few months, apparently encourages at his Amor Y Paz (Love and Peace) academy, along with long hugs and meditation. And judging by Djokovic's dismantling of Kei Nishikori on Saturday, the passion for playing is back, with the No 1 ranking next on the list.

There have been a few bumps along the way, with Djokovic struggling for inspiration since his French Open victory in June and some personal problems that he has frequently alluded to. But should he beat Andy Murray on Sunday at the O2 Arena, Djokovic will be back at the summit of the sport just two weeks after relinquishing his crown.

The Djoker, so often the court jester with his renditions of Phil Collins and dancing with fans, was clearly delighted with his progress after his semi-final win, against an opponent that took Murray to three sets in a group match, and implied that he is very much back on form afterwards.

"My week has been going in the right direction,” he said. “The last couple of matches have been pretty much flawless and now we're coming up to the last match of the year, the one everyone wanted.

“There are two of us on the court, let's start with that. Let's enjoy the occasion, be conscious of the great match. I'm honoured to be part of the history with Andy tomorrow. We have known each many years.”

It was a return to a polished public persona that has not always been active over the past seven days. A week ago, after losing a set, and his cool, against Dominic Thiem when he hit a ball into the crowd in frustration, the 29-year-old, sardonically shot back about a journalist when asked if his actions could have been dangerous. “It could have been [serious], yes," he said. "It could have snowed in the O2 Arena, as well, but it didn't.”

But since that surprising remark, the Serb’s progress has been serene and he seems much happier. Consistently winning will do that for you. It also means that in this strange case of Dr Djoker and Mr Snide, which has bubbled under the surface for the past few weeks, whoever turns up on Sunday to face Murray will be favourite.

Another big reason for that is that the Scot is struggling. He has survived the two longest battles in ATP World Tour Finals history, and a match point against Milos Raonic, to scrape himself into the final after an arduous season.

Contrasting with a refreshed, reinvigorated Djokovic, the 29-year-old confessed the workload, and his relentless charge to No 1 have taken their toll.

"I'm tired. I've played so much tennis over the last few months," he said after his 3hr 38min epic against the Canadian. "I'll give it my best effort [against Djokovic] - the best of what I have."

And the worrying signs do not end there for Murray. London maybe the Scot’s adopted home away from Dunblane – the scene of so many of his successes – but this is Djokovic’s domain. The Serb has won the past four tournaments at the O2 and has had a, relatively, easy ride so far, made all the easier by the late withdrawal of Gael Monfils for his final group match.

Meanwhile, Murray was drawn against the toughest possible opponents in London – the third (Stan Wawrinka), fifth (Kei Nishikori) and seventh (Marin Cilic) ranked players – and will have played three matches in three days after the final.

In many ways, he has been a victim of his own success. By winning so many tournaments as well as Olympic gold, Murray's fatigue has been piling up, while Djokovic's slump, and early exits have simply sharpened his body and mind ahead of the first match in ATP history that will decide the end-of-year No 1 ranking.

But there will be no excuses from Murray if he loses on Sunday. He knows that all this is the truest test of his No 1 status. No-one would begrudge him his rise to the very top, but his ability and credibility in the role have not yet been tested to the extreme in a match against Serb he usurped. Indeed, Murray only has 10 wins compared with Djokovic's 24 in their career meetings and the duo have not faced each other since the French Open final, such has been Djokovic's drop in performance.

And as if there was not enough significance to the showpiece showdown, there is an extra incentive for Murray to find that elusive edge he has lacked over his past two matches - his tilt at the Australian Open crown in January. Just as he has broken new ground in London by appearing on Sunday for the first time, he will hope to do the same in Melbourne by winning his maiden title after five fruitless finals, four of which he has lost to, you guessed it, Djokovic.

It has been a brief window that Murray has had to try and cement himself at the top of the rankings and it is threatening to slam shut. However he gets his body and brain in shape to retain his precious ranking, whether it be a psychiatrist he has used in the past or long hugs and meditation, it is essential because this could be one of the most significant wins of his career and lead to a prolonged period of even greater success.

At the very least it would mean he gets to spend Christmas as the undisputed top player in the world. And that, in the minds of all the Murray fans, would indeed be a pleasant thought.