Stunning Loss Means Andy Murray Can’t Close Gap on Novak Djokovic

After a stunning defeat to Kei Nishikori, Andy Murray finds himself stuck with the familiar refrain uttered by many who fall short in their sports endeavors: Wait until next year. 

Nishikori defeated Murray 1-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-1, 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the 2016 U.S. Open, ending Murray’s bid to overtake Novak Djokovic in the ATP World Tour singles race for most points this year. The loss also makes it next to impossible for Murray to chase down the No. 1 ranking this year. 

What a missed opportunity. Djokovic entered the U.S. Open looking more vulnerable than he has at any time in the last two years. Murray, however, came into the U.S. Open having won Wimbledon and the gold medal at the Summer Olympics. 

Had he won the U.S. Open, Murray would have finished the Slam season with the same number of major titles as Djokovic won this year. It would also mark the first time that Murray had won two Slams in one year.

Instead, Murray leaves Flushing Meadows cemented at No. 2, his career high. Never holding the No. 1 slot distinguishes him from the rest of the Big Four. 

Since his inclusion in the Big Four, Murray has been staring up at Djokovic, Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal as they took turns at the top.

Djokovic has held the No. 1 ranking for 113 consecutive weeks. By the end of last year, when he won three Grand Slam titles, Djokovic had extended his lead at the top. 

Murray trailed Djokovic by 5,535 points heading into the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam this year. Djokovic is the defending champion at the U.S. Open and had 2,000 points to defend. Murray, however, lost in the fourth round last year. This was his best chance to slice into Djokovic’s massive lead. 

If …

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