Andy Murray once again proved he is the best player on earth. And now it is official.
For so many years the Scot has lived and lost in the shadow of Novak Djokovic – the Serb born within seven days of him in May 1987 - who has beaten him in five Grand Slam finals.
And even when Murray rose to world No.1 for the first time after his fourth consecutive title at the Paris Masters, he had not beaten his great nemesis.
But in Sunday night’s winner-take-all season-ending showdown, which had the feel of a heavyweight boxing clash, Murray landed a knockout blow on his old oppo at London’s 02 to be the undisputed champion of the world.
After so many bitter defeats by his long-standing rival, it was the sweetest of victories on home soil.
This was a different one-sided win in their lengthy rivalry which the Serb still leads 24-11. But after so many years of losing big matches to Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Djokovic, Murray is now the main man.
"Andy is definitely the No.1 in the world," said the Serb. "He is the best player. He deserved to win. He played better in the decisive moments and I wasn’t able to come back.
Djokovic was unrecognisable from the unstoppable winning machine who held all four Grand Slam titles in Paris as he made 30 unforced errors, including one fluffed overhead at the net which would have embarrassed a club player.
But by contrast, Murray looked like a man who believes he is now the best as he completed his 24th consecutive win and lifted his fifth consecutive title.
Murray won the crucial first set in 46 minutes with a single break forced by another punishing forehand deep into Djokovic’s backhand. He raced to a double break in the second before the real Djokovic replaced the poor impersonator to earn his solitary break and force the Scot to close out the match 6-4 6-3 in 103 minutes.
"This is the best possible way to finish a year," said Murray (left).
"I’ve often finished years on a bit of a downer after here because I hadn’t played that well. But the last two years have finished well with the Davis Cup and now this."
Murray has claimed nine titles this year and will go to January’s Australian Open as favourite to win his fourth Grand Slam.
The BBC Sports Personality Of The Year award and a knighthood could yet come first.
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