Murray is a potential World No.1 after Madrid Master's Series Win

I agree with Harry Cicma’s comment on his blog Tennis Talk about Murray becoming a potential world number One. This statement comes after Murray managed to follow up his win in Cincinnati with another Master's Series in Madrid this week, demonstrating his ability to remain consistent at the top of his game.

image by tallgareth

Madrid Master Series Result

Final: Andy Murray defeating Gilles Simon 6-4 7-6(8-6) Watch Final Highlights

Murray’s route to the final

Semi Final: bt Roger Federer 3-6, 6-3, 7-5

Quarter Final: bt Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-2

3rd Round: bt Marin Cilic 7-5, 7-6 (7-2)

2nd Round: bt Simone Bolelli 6-0, 2-1 retired

1st Round: Bye

View Completed Draw

After watching Andy Murray’s brilliant performances in recent week’s I have also been considering the possibility of Murray being a future world No.1. He undoubtedly has the talent to be at the top whilst having the versatility to play on all surfaces.

At the moment I would rank Murray as the top hard court player in the world, considering his performances in Cincinnati, the US Open and now in Madrid. While Andy Murray’s grass court game is getting better year by year, as his serve is becoming an ever increasing weapon. Clay though has been the Brit’s weaker surface. However a straight sets victory over clay court specialist Jose Acasuso in this year’s Roland Garros, demonstrated that he has the game to challenge for titles on clay. Murray has also now brought in coach Alex Corretja into his ever expanding team. Corretja was once a French Open finalists and is a very experienced clay court player, so with his help we should start seeing an upward curve in Andy’s performances on the red clay.

To be one number one though you have to be winning slam titles and I am sure sooner rather than later Murray will claim he first slam. That slam may even come as soon as next year’s Australian Open in January if he carries on his good form.

‘Musical Chairs’

Harry Cicma also stated that he believed in the next few years we will see ‘musical chairs’ with Federer, Murray, Nadal and Djokovic, trading the No.1 spot. The musical chair effect he suggests is particularly plausible taking into account the year we’ve had: Beginning with the Austrialian Open, which saw the emergence of Novak Djokovic to the elite, as he claimed his first slam title. Then Rafael Nadal dominated by winning the French open title once again and then Wimbledon, defeating Roger Federer in what was arguably the greatest match of all time. Nadal then went on to replace Roger as world number one. However after losing the No.1 spot Roger Federer bounced back, defying all who doubted the great man by winning his fifth US Open title and 13th slam. While in recent months we have seen Andy Murray come of age and become the most feared man on the ATP tour at the moment. This accolade comes after winning back to back ATP Master’s series events and also reaching his first slam final in this year’s US Open.

In conclusion, this year has demonstrated the closeness of these top four players and I am pretty certain there will be a few chopping and changing in 2009. It is going to be an exciting few years ahead for men’s tennis that’s for sure.

By Geoff Berkeley