Andy Murray Could Take Over #1 Ranking This Week

Published on October 31st, 2016 7:07 pm EST
All eyes will be on the tennis world this week as the BNP Paribas Masters event gets underway in Paris, France.

Andy Murray has been chasing the #1 ranking for seven years. The likes of Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have all held that honour over the past seven years, though Andy Murray has never quite broken through. With Murray getting up there in years, there were some who thought that he would never reach the pinnacle of the tennis world.

Things have changed this year, however, and Murray is now on the brink of claiming the #1 ranking for the first time in his career. Murray has been playing some torrid tennis so far this year, as he has managed to win seven titles while amassing a very impressive record. With some luck, Murray could pass Djokovic this week in Paris.

Here is how it shakes out - if Murray wins the BNP Paribas Masters event and Djokovic fails to make the final, Murray will take over the coveted spot. If Murray doesn't win, he won't get the #1 ranking, regardless of how Djokovic does. If both men make the final and Murray wins, Djokovic will still emerge as the world's #1 ranked men's player.

Djokovic has been uncharacteristically struggling as of late, as he has reportedly had some personal issues to deal with. This has provided Murray with a small window in which to claim the #1 ranking, as many believe that Novak Djokovic will return to form next year.

-

Murray and Djokovic are currently the co-favourites to win this week - here are the current betting odds for the players with the perceived best chances of winning:

Andy Murray, 13/8
Novak Djokovic, 13/8
Stan Wawrinka, 12/1
Kei Nishikori, 14/1
Milos Raonic, 20/1

-

It is rare that a non-Grand Slam event garners this much publicity. The stars have aligned for the BNP Paribas Masters tournament organizers, and they stand to reap the rewards of Murray's attempted assault on the world's #1 ranking. Murray is one of the world's most popular tennis players, so this year's Masters event in Paris should give fans something to get excited about. Murray really wants the #1 ranking badly, while Djokovic obviously doesn't want to give it up.

Related Articles