Andy Murray Could Take The No. 1 Ranking From Novak Djokovic This Week!
by Tom Gainey | October 31st, 2016, 9:53 am
  • 53 Comments

After three titles since the US Open, Andy Murray is now on the brink of the No. 1 ranking. Behind 415 ranking points of Novak Djokovic in the ATP Race (note that Paris AND ATP Finals point drop next Monday), Murray can finally ascend to No. 1 if he wins the Paris title over someone other than Djokovic.

“I get a step closer with every win but it’s still a long way from here,” Murray said Sunday after beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to win Vienna. “From two to one seems a small jump in a way but it’s the hardest one to make. To go from 100 to 50 is more spots but is a lot easier.”

If Djokovic reaching the Paris final, he’ll stay No. 1. The Serb, who’s won just one title since the French, has won the Paris Indoors event the last three years.

Should Murray fail in Paris, he’ll have a chance again at the ATP Finals in London next month. Although, if Murray loses early in Paris and Djokovic wins the title, the Serb could wrap up No. 1.

Djokovic has held No. 1 every week since July 7, 2014, a streak of 122 consecutive weeks. He is trying to finish No. 1 in the Emirates ATP Rankings for the third straight year and fifth time in six years.

Murray has now spent 76 weeks at No. 2 since first reaching that ranking seven years ago, on 17 August 2009. The 29-year-old is trying to become the oldest first-time No. 1 since John Newcombe, at 30 years of age, on 3 June 1974.

Murray will open against Fernando Verdasco.

Current ATP Race (as of Oct 31)
1 Novak Djokovic 10600
2 Andy Murray 10185
3 Stan Wawrinka 5105
4 Milos Raonic 4690
5 Kei Nishikori 4615
6 Gael Monfils 3625
7 Rafael Nadal 3300
8 Dominic Thiem 3205
9 Marin Cilic 3090
10 Tomas Berdych 2880
11 David Goffin 2690


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53 Comments for Andy Murray Could Take The No. 1 Ranking From Novak Djokovic This Week!

RZ Says:

🤞🤞🤞🤞 (Those are fingers-crossed emojis – they kinda look like chicken drumsticks though)


J-Kath Says:

RZ

Good lass. I’m sure they are all free-range.


RZ Says:

@J-Kath – LOL!
For more LOLs … I had a weird dream last night (one of those dreams where all sorts of unrelated things happen). In part of it, I was at a tennis exhibition tournament where Andy was playing. He was introduced as the new #1 player and I started panicking because I thought that would jinx him.


J-Kath Says:

RZ

Did the dream wake you up? Or did you remember in the morning?
Naw, you haven’t jinxed him – wait and watch (fingers crossed).


RZ Says:

I just remembered it. BTW, it wouldn’t have been me jinxing him, it was the person in my dream who introduced him as the new #1 player when he wasn’t yet. :-)


J-Kath Says:

RZ

I shall watch this tournament with renewed interest. Notice Nole is warming up with a doubles match.


Eric Says:

It would certainly be one of the most remarkable accomplishments in the world of tennis rankings; after the FO, who would have thought Andy was going to have a shot to enter the WTF as #1? We’ll see what happens.


Farah Diba Says:

C’Mon Andy!You can do it!It’s easy to be the hunter but it’s never easy to be the hunted..The momentum is in your side now..Just hold on for the last couple of breath..C’mon!!


Farah Diba Says:

@J-Kath..

This is the answer of your question on another thread okay?First of all,let me have a laugh first!Ha ha ha..No!no!no!..I’m not a good Fairy or Mother Christmas..I’m just a common Andy fans just like you and many others..HI GUYS!!The difference maybe i’m not afraid to voiced my believe in Andy..When he hired Lendl pre Wimby last summer,i knew immediately that something positive would come out from that partnership..and i keep on believe in him through Olympics which i also predicted that he would come out with another gold..Oh boy,i’m really really glad that i keep my faith and trust in him and not wavered one bit!And now,i believe he has a BIG chance to grasp the precious no 1 soon..We can sense his passion and determination for that from miles away..Good luck for that Andy!!

As for attracting a few posters to ‘come out’ and celebrate this BIGGG moment for Andy and his beloved fans..i believe many more to come..Didn’t you know that i can charmed even the coldest of hearts?Let alone a legions of fans who’s already in love with our Andeee lad!Ha ha ha..So come out guys!Come out now!All of you..We celebrate this amazing and incredible years for Andy..He deserve this moment guys!


skeezer Says:

It was a short time ago that Novak had a stranglehold on the number one ranking that pundits were saying was insurmountable. Now here comes Murray, who has crept ever closer to the number one ranking out of nowhere with his stellar season. It just goes to show how difficult RF’sn all time record holding the number one ranking for so long. GOAT.


Travis Bickle Says:

I am not sure about the exact numbers, but I believe that Murray is about as close to #1 as Federer was in 2014 in early November, against the same foe.

For good old Fed it was ‘close but no cigar’, let’s see how it’ll end for Muzza…


chrisford1 Says:

Skeezer, the Weak Era in which Fed piled up the vast bulk of his weeks at #1, over 200, had no competitor the likes of Rafa, Nole, or Andy breathing down his neck.
Better luck next time, Skeez, though I will say in Federer’s defense he had incredible day-in, day-out consistency over those 4 years 2004-07. He knew he had it easy given the level of his foes, but he never faltered or let up, or got injured..


Van Persie Says:

I am starting to wish Muzza to be Nr. 1 next year, if he does not manage this year, even if I am a Nole fan. Never disliked Andy and the media put so much pressure on him, that I would almost feel sorry for him, if he failed in this matter.


Willow Says:

The weak era is now, other than Andy fighting Novak for the number 1 ranking, there are no new challenges on the horizon, no youngling making a breakthrough, you have two of the all time greats, one thats always injured, and cant match Novak anymore, and so fragile mentally, so not exactly a great rivalry, unless the wins are shared, the other is arguably the greatest ever, stills plays great tennis but is way past his best in all honesty, Stan has the game to trouble Novak when hes on, but doesnt bring it on a week to week basis, the only person Novak has to battle is himself, other than that he has a free rein, the weak era is now ….


J-Kath Says:

A full military salute to you, Fara Diba, however, there’s no such thing as “a common Andy fan” we’re all Kruger Rand Gold quality – I say it with some trepidation as I note that an anti-Andy Nole-fan seems to have survived Halloween and is lurking on this thread – just saying in case there’s an outburst……


Willow Says:

J-Kath im not anti Novak or Andy lol, im not anti anybody, and BTW ill stop by your house again tonight, and clean the marks off your windows sorry ;-)) ….


Willow Says:

Im pleased that there are now fans of other players, it means we have a diverse site again, rather than a one man one ….


Farah Diba Says:

@J-Kath..

Oh..In that case,this anti-Andy Nole-fan who survived Halloween,are they afraid of garlic or a silver bullet?If so,like Willow i have to hop on my broomshtick and zoom to your house tonight to give you some..Don’t be afraid Milady..


J-Kath Says:

Willow: I know you aren’t anti Nole, Andy or any other – I hope you know I wasn’t referring to you re. my comment at 7.11am. PS: Could you also paint my windows for me when you come by??? Thanks a lot.


J-Kath Says:

FD – I’ve got garlic – but you could help Willow to paint the windows????


Farah Diba Says:

J-Kath..Paint the windows?But i already declared myself A Duchess of Andylane only a minutes ago!!How can a Duchess paint a window??Willow..with my power i order you to go paint J-Kath’s window immediately.Failed to do so you will get sentenced by being a slave to a]Rafa b]Andy c]Hugh Jackman d]Aidan Turner..Pick one..


J-Kath Says:

FD

Major apologies to D of A. What are you doing to Willow? She’ll be foaming at the mouth…she’ll not be able to pick just one.


Farah Diba Says:

J-Kath..

Ha ha ha..I had to do what a women need to do.If i just line up only one option,then your window only be cleaned sometime next year..Line up 4 of them..guaranteed it will be finish in just 20 minutes!


chrisford1 Says:

If Andy doesn’t get #1 this year, he still has an excellent chance 1st half next year as lots and lots of Djokovic points based on winning nearly everything 1st half of 2016 peel off. Replaced by Djokovic wins? Or a mix of Novak, Andy, and some other’s wins, or Murray getting the preponderance of points between them.
I’d say only if Djokovic does win everything again does Andy fail to reach #1 in 2017 if he doesn’t ‘nip’ Novak in late 2016. Andy deserves a stint. In a sport where I rarely say anyone “deserves” a title, Andy deserves this.
Andy only got 45 points in Indian Wells and 45 points in Miami. I’d bet money unless Muzz collapses at London or the AO that he will become #1 on the US leg of the spring tour.
And I’d bet money that if Novak comes back to full form, he takes #1 away from Andy after Wimbledon.


RZ Says:

@chrisford1 – to add, Andy skipped some tournies in Feb so he has time there too, but he will need another strong showing in Australia.


J-Kath Says:

FD….painted as well? I’ve got 18 windows + shed and boiler room.

PS: However, it’s time to let U off the hook before we start getting complaints.


Daniel Says:

I think London is going to be vital. If Djoko wins as last years and if Andy gets just 1 or 2 wins, Djoko can widen the gap to more than 1000 pts again. And that will add extra pressure to Murray.

But agree with CF1, even if Mureay doesn’t take #1 this year and perfomr decent in London (at least semis) he will have an excelent shot in US, plus he can add another tourney in Feb (Dubai or Rotterdam), he is expert in ATP 500, won all three he competed this year.


J-Kath Says:

Daniel:
First, I think we need to see which Nole has returned…… …..starting tomorrow – not to mention whether or not Andy has over-stretched himself.


J-Kath Says:

There is always talk about the British press but hopefully a balanced wee article from the Guardian may be of faint interest.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2016/nov/01/novak-djokovic-andy-murray-paris-masters


Willow Says:

Farrah Diba /J-Kath lol wouldnt know where to start two for their tennis skills, although one also looks great in a pair of speedos, the other two for their skills in absolutely everything,(AHEM) could be reciting the alphabet and it wouldnt matter, your too right J-Kath couldnt even concentrate on work this afternoon(SIGH) ;-)) ….


Willow Says:

J-Kath ill see you in the morning ;-)) ….


Farah Diba Says:

J-Kath..

Yeah..let’s..Just talking nonsense to release this tension before our Andy start his important campaign tomorrow.He said,he want to finish this season stronger,i hope he can achieve it.If not,what he’s already achieved this year,to me more than okay already.

PS..Willow,sorry to mention your name in my jokes up there..not mean anything by it.


Willow Says:

Farah Diba honestly no need for an apology, ireally enjoy your posts, and your sense of humour is great and a breath of fresh air CHEERS DARLING ;-)) ….


Farah Diba Says:

@Willow..

I knew you’re a very good person.Very nice human being and a very brave,strong[don’t know from physical POV,although if you’re prove it by lifting a Hugh or rafa or Aidan onto your arms then i’ll believe it!LOL!]..But you’re very strong mentally,i follow this blog for so long,i knew what kind of person you are and i admire you so much Willow.Keep being yourself okay,you’re beautiful already.

PS..Willow..Why suddenly i feel my head going to explode??Oh,i know!It’s because of your compliment willow!He he he..Don’t do it more often okay?i might not see Andy lifting his precious no 1 in the not so distant future..


Skeezer Says:

Weak era? Its now. Hows that working for Novak who has the hot Murray on his heals? Oh the pressure trying to stay #1. Gotta keep diet, family, physical & mental health in perspective whilst defining you legacy and accomplishments. Where is the model for that. Better call 1-800- Federer for advice.


Margot Says:

Waving to my dear virtual friend, darling Andy Mira, across the waves.


Farah Diba Says:

@M..Hi..nice to meet you..Ooppss!I remembered only AndyMira who has ever called you that..Sorry!


kjb Says:

@CF1 Hahaha. Weak era talk again hey. A 35 year old Fed played like 25 matches this year and is still in the top 15. The last 3 years have been a much weaker era.


jalep Says:

Yes, I miss reading AndyMira on Tennis-x, but Fara Diba being here certainly helps. ☺

@Margot, tennistv is broadcasting Zhuhai, the Konta vs Stosur match, live. Woke up, checked the time, fired up the laptop, and am watching a pretty good match.

Kvitova v Vinci, was the last one scheduled and comes on at 5:00 am, my time. That’s the one I was aiming to get up for! Going back to sleep. Looks like Jo Konta’s got this. Cheers, Margot…omg, just realized Goffin v Mahut is on in a few minutes….ahh


jalep Says:

Sorry, meant Farah Diba ;)


jalep Says:

In fact, Kei v Viktor is also on from Paris as well! WTH…tennis season 2016 is almost over…might as well…


Farah Diba Says:

@Jalep…

Farah Diba or Fara Diba is okay with me..oh wait!..on second thought Fara Diba sound more classy and sexy and glassy..Hmm,i like it the latter more than the first..

Btw..Thanks for the compliment up there Jalep..At your service ma’am!


Willow Says:

Farah Diba you do sound like Andy Mira who has a similar posting style, nothing wrong in that though, as your both your very sweet posters ….


Farah Diba Says:

@jalep..

Want to add..As long as you’re not calling me Mo Farah..wayyyyy hokay!!!


jalep Says:

Cheers, Farah Diba! Enjoying the energy you bring :)


jalep Says:

Mo Farah, lol… no you are not him!


Farah Diba Says:

@Willow..

Why!Thank you ma’am!I’m flattered to be put the same level with AndyMira..i think she’s one of the nicest poster’s here..Where is she these days anyway?


Willow Says:

FD No idea to be honest, although shes just friended me on FB ;-)) ….


Farah Diba Says:

@Jalep..

Energy i brought here?Really??Wow!!That’s huge jalep!!Oh,ho ho ho..I can’t believe it!Thank you so much J..I have to buy you dinner!Or in our case..a virtual dinner!Well,what are you waiting for J..ATTACK!!!!..Err..what would you like eat J?


Margot Says:

jalep: I don’t especially like Konta. I find her blooming serve action highly irritating, like a nervous pony endlessly pawing the ground!
I am not in the least nationalistic about tennis. The fact that our Andy is British is an added bonus, but I would love him the same if he came from Mars.
I see you are beating me in the challenge, booooo hoooo.


J-Kath Says:

Margot:

I try to be a bit nationalistic when there is at least a chance for the player. However, Konta’s blooming serve also annoys me – so did Marian’s taught to her by her bully father. I think of Andy as Scottish 1st and British 2nd…possibly due to the business of when he does well he’s referred to as something else by the English.


Margot Says:

Kath, Andy can be 150% Scottish if you like and I will love him just the same.
It’s playing styles and pure tennis talent that floats my boat, not nationality.
But rugby…..why that’s an entirely different ball game….;)


J-Kath Says:

Agree Margot: Rugby – You got it. And the singing – that’s what made me think about it. However, Andy took a lot of flack re. the Independence Ref. for voting for Scotland….and if he’s got another nationality that he’d prefer, it would be Welsh.

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