Why Andy Murray Has a Chance to Be Even Better in 2017 Than He Was in 2016

Andy Murray just completed the best year of his career. Next season could be even better.

Last Sunday, Murray defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets at the 2016 ATP World Tour Finals in London to capture his first year-end championship title and retain the No. 1 ranking.

Even as he celebrated his victory, Murray’s thoughts turned to next year. 

“These next few years, obviously I want to try and make them the best of my career, try and win as much as I can. But it’s going to be tough because, as you get older, the young guys are going to keep improving and getting better,” Murray told the Daily Mail. 

Reaching No. 1 was a lifelong dream, but there’s no reason 2017 can’t be better. Murray will enter the new season ranked a spot higher than he was when 2016 began. He won’t have the added wear-and-tear on his legs from a hard-fought Davis Cup final. His biggest threat, Djokovic, has to defend Australian Open title points right out of the gate.

If Murray gets off to a fast start, he could quickly amass a huge lead over Djokovic, who has 4,250 ranking points to defend before the clay-court season. Murray only has to defend 1,290. 

Murray also has more stability in his camp. The same can’t be said of Djokovic.

Remember, Amelie Mauresmo was Murray’s coach the first half of 2016. Now Ivan Lendl, who coached the Brit to three Grand Slam titles, two Olympic gold medals and the No. 1 ranking, is back in Murray’s …

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