It is fair to say that Andy Murray has had a satisfying year, after managing to land his 3rd Grand Slam title to crown numerous other successes as well in 2016. What’s more, he’s breathing down Novak Djokovic’s neck in a bid to usurp the Serb from his throne as the No.1 ranked tennis player in the world.
Read more: How Murray can end 2016 as World No. 1
Recently, he won the China Open and the Shanghai Masters.
Couple it with Novak’s recent loss in form (or rather, his aura), Murray looks primed to mount an assault on his arch rival’s status as the ‘Numero Uno’. While it doesn’t look quite possible before this year ends, 2017 holds much promise for Andy. Not to mention the injury concerns of the 2 greats – Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
The change in coach also seems to have worked wonders for Murray. He parted ways with Amelie Mauresmo before this year’s French Open and brought Ivan Lendl back on board. Clearly, that was a good decision by the Scot – one that appears to have underpinned a good second half of the season.
It’s been an impressive season for the Scot, so let’s take a look at some of his most impressive moments of 2016 so far :-
#5 Rome Masters: First win on clay over Djokovic
Andy Murray’s mental block over Djokovic in major finals is well documented. And when the surface is clay, the less said the better.
Murray was reeling after losing the Australian Open final to the Serb and was visibly emotional at the event. As such, the 2016 Rome Masters in May proved to be a huge turnaround for Murray. Not only was it his first title of the season, he also made it doubly sweet by defeating none other than Djokovic in the final. Incredibly, the 6-3, 6-3 result was his first career win over the Serb on clay – which is not really his favourite surface.
He defeated Mikhail Kukushkin, Jeremy Chardy, 12th seed David Goffin and Lucas Pouille in the run-up to the final. Meanwhile, Murray also became the first British player to win the tournament since Virginia Wade (It’s always her, isn’t it?) in 1971. Impressive, isn’t it?
#4 Reaches the final at French Open
After the Rome Masters victory boosted his confidence on clay, Murray impressed his fans by promptly reaching the summit clash at Roland Garros. It was something that no British man had achieved since Bunny Austin in 1937, a massive 79 years ago. For someone who learnt the tricks of the trade on grass, to perform admirably on clay was tough but Murray proved that he has got what it takes to elevate his game when mattered.
He beat home favourite Richard Gasquet and Stanislas Wawrinka who was the defending champion en route to the final where his nemesis Novak Djokovic awaited him.
Though he would lose the final to the Serb despite winning the opening set, getting to that stage in itself was an achievement for Murray. Hopefully, it won’t be too long before he wins in Paris.
#3 Murray reigns supreme at Wimbledon
Andy was in supreme form coming into Wimbledon, having won a record 5th Queen’s Club Championship (a traditional warm-up event prior to the extravaganza at SW19). Moreover, he had secured the services of Ivan Lendl, the mercurial Czech.
After cruising through the first four rounds, which also included a win over the controversial yet talented Nick Kyrgios, Murray ran into an in-form Jo-Wilfried Tsonga. But the Scot displayed commendable willpower to overcome the Frenchman in 5 sets before easing past Tomas Berdych into the final.
Though Djokovic, who was upset by Sam Querrey in a two-day five setter, did not make the summit clash, Murray still had to power past Milos Raonic who had defeated Roger Federer in the semifinals. He did that with aplomb to land his 2nd Wimbledon title in style.
Not a mean feat, especially with so much pressure placed upon him, under the expectations of Britons worldwide.
#2 Murray shows off ‘impressive’ flag-bearing skills
Shortly after the euphoria surrounding Murray’s Wimbledon victory died down, there was a chance for Murray to impress with his extra-curricular skills as well. The Scot was named as the flag-bearer of Great Britain’s Rio Olympics contingent.
But when he was called upon to maneuvre the ‘Union Jack’ during a group photo with Princess Anne and Sebastian Coe before the contingent departed for Rio, Murray left his fans in splits with his antics with the flag.
Unable to find a perfect spot to keep the flag, Murray went on to hide Princess Anne behind it before repositioning the flag several times to either side.
Needless to say, it amused his fellow athletes and onlookers to the point most of them were struggling not to break into laughter in the presence of royalty. It was so ‘impressive’ that at one point the princess was seen rolling her eyes at Murray’s struggle with the flag.
#1 Great Scot! Murray retains his Olympic title
Riding high after his Wimbledon success, World No. 2 Andy Murray had brought about an element of steel to his game and it was on show yet again during the Rio Olympics. Murray was the defending Olympic champion, having won the gold in 2012 with a win over Roger Federer.
He lived up to his billing and won gold yet again by getting the better of a resurgent Juan Martin del Potro who had vanquished Rafael Nadal in the semifinals.
While the win was his 3rd consecutive title of the season, it underlined his emergence from the shadow of Djokovic, who incidentally was defeated by Del Potro. More importantly, Murray had scripted history by becoming the first male tennis player to win 2 Olympic Gold medals in singles.
The conviction and commitment he showed during this campaign was nothing but remarkable.
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