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Novak Djokovic in 2011? Pretty much perfect. Winning three Grand Slam titles, 10 singles titles in total, grabbing the no.1 spot in the ATP ranking and on the way destroying Rafael Nadal every chance he got. Lately? Struggling. Injuries. Fatigue from an exhausting season. Like Barcelona? Andy Murray seems to think so.
As we gear up towards the finale of the 2011 Tennis year, the 2011 ATP World Tour Finals, with Roger Federer aiming to defend his 2010 title to gain a boost towards the 2012 season, Andy Murray has his own ambitions, and goals, known to all.
Each year seems like the year Murray will finally become more than just a top 4 player, more than just a perennial Semi Finalist. Time to win a Grand Slam title, for himself, for the United Kingdom. Each year, it’s someone else in the way. Federer, Nadal, Djokovic. The last hurdle in the big moment that he can never overcome.
Winning the Shanghai and Cincinnati Masters have brought him back to a stage where it seems the tipping point, the last climb he needs to reach to conquer the mountain called a Singles Grand Slam title, is just around the bend. A strong showing in London will certainly provide more proof to us and him that he can do it.
As far as he’s concerned, despite Djokovic being the best player on the tour right now, 2012 will be very different – It’s like Barcelona in football. It’s the best team but to win back-to-back Champions Leagues, even though you’re the best team, it’s so tough, the margins are so small. A lot of things have to go your way.
Djokovic’s recent struggles with injuries, mostly a nagging shoulder problem, haven’t stopped the Serbian from proclaiming he’s 100% fit for the Tour Finals – I have been serving at 100% in the last two or three days. For me the shoulder is fine at this moment. I can say it is recovered and it is ready to compete.
Djokovic will begin his attempt at winning his second World Tour Finals title tomorrow against Tomas Berdych, with Murray, in the same group as Djokovic, will face David Ferrer. Group B action begins today (Sunday), with Rafael Nadal facing Mardy Fish and Roger Federer against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.