Murray goes 3rd, Nadal slips to 5th
Print Edition
BEATEN Miami finalist Andy Murray moved into third spot of the ATP rankings published yesterday as Rafael Nadal slipped back two places to fifth, his worst position in two years.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, winner of the Miami Open, consolidated his place atop the rankings, more than 4,000 points (the equivalent of two grand slam wins) ahead of Switzerland’s Roger Federer, with Japan’s Kei Nishikori in fourth.
Also, Spain’s Carla Suarez for the first time broke into the top 10 of the WTA rankings after reaching the final of the Miami hardcourt tournament.
American Serena Williams, who won the Miami title for an eighth time, consolidated her place atop the rankings ahead of Russian Maria Sharapova and Romanian Simona Halep.
Meanwhile, Djokovic heads into the European claycourt season in ominous form after his victory over Murray in the final of the Miami Open on Sunday.
Djokovic looks in such command of his game and his opponents that there is already the feeling he could enjoy a similar year to his remarkable 2011, where he won 41 straight matches and claimed three of the grand slam titles.
The Serb, who won at both Indian Wells and the Australian Open, was asked after Sunday’s victory if he felt that kind of streak was on the horizon. While he was careful not to make bold predictions, his response revealed his confidence.
“I hope so, but it’s just the beginning. I don’t want to predict anything. I don’t want to put some additional unnecessary pressure on myself,” he said. “There is already a lot of expectations of course. Everywhere I go I have to deal with it.”
But he is enjoying the moment. “I could not ask for a better start of the season, winning three big titles. Hopefully I’m able to use this for the claycourt coming up. That’s extremely important for me obviously leading up to French Open.”
Certainly Murray, who has now lost his last seven encounters with Djokovic, sees little weakness in his rival’s game.
“He serves well, he runs well, he moves exceptionally well. Physically he’s in great shape,” the Scot said.
Djokovic will be 28 next month and knows that he needs to take full advantage of his current form to add to his tally of eight grand slam wins — five in Australia, two at Wimbledon and the 2011 US Open.
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