Murray's 2016 was epic. After adding
a second Wimbledon title he went on a tear that overturned a massive Djokovic
lead in the rankings. He took advantage of a noticeable dip in form for
Djokovic after he had won the French Open and finally got the career slam and
Murray seemingly wore his body out from playing so much. He finished 2016 in
pole position in the rankings and with a collection of titles under his belt
that made that position thoroughly deserved. 2017 was a disappointment as he
struggled to find the same form and then succumbed to injury, somewhat
predictable given his exertions the previous year. It meant he dropped down the
rankings considerably - as Federer had a year earlier with his absence through
injury - and that we didn't get to see his feisty and skilled game of tennis as
usually we would.
Murray is still only 30. He's been
around well over a decade and has achieved more than most ever will – three
grand slam titles, two Olympic gold medals in singles, a Davis Cup winner, 14
Masters titles, the most wins ever at Queen’s Club in London (5) and much more.
He's deserved of his spot in the Big Four and shouldn't be compared directly
with the others. Should he manage a sustained period of fitness and grow back
into his game, finding his winning stride, he can not only trouble anyone on
his day, but he will know with his vast well of experience that there's little
to fear and little he cannot achieve. The Australian Open may well fall too
early in the season for his return and for any genuine hope of success, the one
he so genuinely deserves after losing the final on multiple occasions, but he
should never be counted out. It's certainly as much mental as physical with
Murray. Without Lendl in his corner now, does he have what it takes to keep calm
between the ears and do the damage on a tennis court he previously has? His
ability is undeniable. Whether he can return to the heights of his past glories
is a harder one to predict perhaps than with the others. It'll be fascinating
to watch his progress in the coming months. Let's hope he gets a good run at
the ATP tour now without his body letting him down. He's probably got his mind
right for the task ahead, let's hope.
Andy Murray is a compelling character to watch on the tennis court with a skilful game of power and touch, with every possible shot in his arsenal. It's going to be great to have him back. Let's see if big things are yet to come, and if he finds his best form another grand slam title to add to his three existing ones is more than a possibility. Perhaps Wimbledon being his most likely shot!
First published on tennisworldusa.org
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