Lessons from the O2

Andy Murray ended the year as world No 1 after a dominant victory over Novak Djokovic in the ATP World Tour Finals decider in London on Sunday.

But the week produced more storylines than just the race to be the best player on the planet.

Here, we pick out the key conclusions from the O2…

Murray can dominate

Sunday’s final was not simply a match to decide who would win the title and end the year as world No 1. It was a glimpse into the sport’s immediate future and a test of whether Murray is capable of staying top of the rankings in the coming years.

After several months of patchy form, Djokovic had looked back to his imperious best on his route to the final and although his level dropped considerably over the following one hour and 42 minutes, the ruthless manner in which Murray dispatched him 6-3 6-4 suggested a tennis axis has shifted.

Murray was fatigued and under immense pressure, yet he outplayed Djokovic to such an extent that it seemed he has not only met the standard required to be No 1, but raised it. A period of domination potentially beckons.

Djokovic still out of sorts, but will be back

Djokovic’s rapid and clinical progression to the final was so impressive that many analysts tipped him to beat Murray and snatch back …

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