5 Defining matches of Andy Murray's career

#3 ATP Finals 2016 vs Novak Djokovic

On top of the world

2016 was one of Murray's best years.

He started the year as runner-up for the fifth time at the Australian Open, losing out to Novak Djokovic once more. Their rivalry would continue at the French Open where both were bidding for a first ever title win at Roland Garros.

That match saw Djokovic come out on top as he became the holder of all four Majors over the previous 12 months.

2016 was a game of two halves between Djokovic and Murray.

The first half saw Djokovic take home the big titles while Murray could only get close to the trophies without touching them. But when Murray sealed a second Wimbledon title against Milos Raonic, the race for the year-end World No. 1 spot came alive.

With a decline of title wins for Djokovic, the trophies were starting to go in Murray's direction. Victories in Shanghai, Beijing and Vienna increased Murray's chances of becoming No. 1 for the very first time.

A win over John Isner at the Paris Masters sealed Murray's dream of being the best in the world. And with the week after hosting the final tournament of the 2016 season in London - the ATP Finals - Murray had a strong chance of finishing 2016 on top of the world.

A final clash for 2016 with Djokovic wrote the perfect script after a year of Murray and the Serb dominating the ATP Tour. But it was Murray who would win in straight sets to take it all.