Andy Murray eyes chance to usurp Novak Djokovic as world No1 after Shanghai Masters success
Britain's Andy Murray insists chasing down Novak Djokovic and usurping the Serbian at the summit of the world rankings is within reach after winning the Shanghai Masters.
Murray defeated Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut, who posted a semi-final victory over Djokovic, in straight sets, 7-6 (7-1), 6-1, as the Scot won his sixth title of 2016.
The 29-year-old is 915 points behind Djokovic in the ATP Race to London standings, while being crowned champion in his next two engagements, in Vienna and Paris, could go some way to dethroning 12-time grand slam winner Djokovic in the world rankings.
“My goal wasn’t to finish No1 at the end of this year but in the early parts of next year there is an opportunity – 900 points doesn’t seem like loads,” said Murray.
“But Novak will win matches. He is the best player in the world. I don’t think he has lost an indoor match in a long time.”
Victory over Bautista Agut was the 41st title of Murray’s career and continued the reigning Olympic champion’s blistering form. The evolution of his game has not gone unnoticed by Murray himself.
He added: “In the last few months, I have won a lot of matches and made improvements.”