Murray ready to fight for top spot

Murray needed a tournament-record three hours and 38 minutes to get past the Canadian in a thriller at London’s O2 Arena, eventually prevailing 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (11-9) after a final-set tie-break.

In a beat-down very reminiscent of their round robin match a year ago, Novak Djokovic was in devastating form, blowing Kei Nishikori off the court for the loss of just two games.

Andy Murray will take on Novak Djokovic in the title match of 2016 ATP World Tour Finals in London on 20 November. The ATP World Tour Finals saw a heavy match where Murray and Dojkovic met for the 35th time. I think although I maybe made a few more mistakes than I would have liked, I think tactically I played a good match’. “I was very exhausted last night before I went to bed and just wanted to go out and give everything I had”. I just wanted to go out and give everything I had and thankfully it was enough.

Raonic came within two points of victory at 5-5 in the second set tiebreak and kept his nose ahead in the decider until an exhausted-looking Murray pounced to break at 4-4.

“It’s a very special day”, said Murray.

“But the majors are what gets me working hard and what really, really motivates me”, he added.

He managed to avoid getting broken, putting Murray at a crossroads: would the missed opportunity lead to his unraveling as it so often has between the two, or would he be steeled by the confidence of a career-best 23 match winning streak?

Djokovic has a chance to regain his world number one ranking if he beats Murray in the final on Sunday.

Murray had won all six of his meetings with Raonic this year, including a straight-sets victory in the Wimbledon final.

Murray – who had never beaten Djokovic after losing the first set – knew that seizing the early advantage would be crucial.

Andy Murray punches the air during his match against Kei Nishikori at the O2. I’m aware that’s going to be extremely hard because I had a great year this year.

It means the Briton’s winning run has now reached 24 matches. Andy is clearly No 1 in the world, he’s the best player. I started with a great pace, great concentration, dictating the play, mixing up the pace.

The Serb later demolished Kei Nishikori in the other semi-final, setting up a season-ending scrap for the top spot that will have had Sky Sports and the tournament director licking their lips like kids in a sweet shop. I’m not going to be able to play at this level into my mid-30s. I’m privileged to be part of history.

Both Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray will turn their attentions to January’s Australian Open after a short break to and start preparing for the 2017 season.