Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are two fantastic tennis players; currently the top two players in the world, to be exact. Between them, they have won 12 Grand Slam titles—although the Serbian star has won 10 of those. Despite Djokovic’s dominance in recent times, Murray will be quietly confident of his chances at the Australian Open in January as he hunts for the first Grand Slam crown of the calendar year.
As of November 26, the Britain’s top player is valued at 5/1 with Coral to lift his maiden Australian Open title in 2016, while Djokovic is priced at just 4/5. Although the odds favor Djokovic, Murray has shown plenty of signs that 2016 could be his year. Over the past 18 months, Murray has made significant strides to improve his overall game. In fact, the Scot is now the second best player in the world according to the rankings—a position that is certainly justified by his performances throughout 2015.
Murray was beaten in the final of this year’s competition by Djokovic and the 2012 Olympic gold medalist will be keen to avenge that defeat in 2016. Murray has reached the final of the Australian Open on four occasions but is yet to get his hands on the famous trophy. Perhaps this year, the Scot will get that little bit of added luck that he needs to pick up a third Grand Slam title.
On the other hand, Djokovic has been there and done it all. Winning is second nature to him and it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the world No. 1 advance through the tournament with relative ease as he eyes a sixth Australian Open crown. On his day, the Serbian is almost unplayable and Murray will have to be at his very best to compete with Djokovic’s intense pressure, quickness, and consistency.
With fewer than two months until the first major of the 2016 season, anticipation and excitement is beginning to grow. While you wait for the competition to arrive, you can read up on the latest tennis news and information on Coral’s website, as well as accessing odds, tips, and other services. Their guides may just help you to decide on which player to support throughout the competition.
If Murray performs at his very best, the British number could go all the way to the top in 2016. A third Grand Slam is coming and after falling just short on so many occasions, it would be fitting for Murray to break his duck at Melbourne. Djokovic is a formidable opponent and will be hungry for yet another major success, but right now it would be foolish to discount Murray.
yeah , would be foolish to discount Murray. BUT, favoring him over Djokovic? Got to have a much better explanation than is given above to support this because Djokovic right now is in a different league. Murray can trouble him but Rafa seems to be the only guy who can topple Novak but even in that there are lots of If’s and but’s
Wrong. Only Stanimal has a chance these days.
?
The article doesn’t support the headline. In fact quite the opposite.
Murray did meet Novak in the final this year at that AO, but wasn’t able to put up much of a fight. For most of the year, Novak has gotten the better of Murray, with Montreal being the one notable exception.
I wouldn’t discount Murray in the 2016 AO, but I don’t think his recent history with Novak gives us much reason to think that he will best him there.
This is just a bait for loads of discussions. I’ll pass.
If Murray is the man to beat in Australia then that’s good news for Rafa because Rafa will beat him.
This article is a joke.
I think Murray or Fed may take it all Down Under….Joker’s streak has just been too amazing to continue!!
will Davis Cup propel Murray like it did Djokovic?
I think almost certainly there will be a carry over effect for Murray just as Djokovic may well have a serious hangover after binging on too many wins in 2015. The real rivalry will be between Murray and Nadal.
Never know but I doubt it (at least no where near to the same degree).
Nole was 24 at the time so he was still young and not at his peak. Also, the diet change was a big reason as well.
Andy is 28 so IMO any improvements at this point won’t be huge.
hawkeye,
I tend to agree with you. Of course, winning the DC can only give Murray momentum and a big lift as he gets ready for 2016. But I don’t see it as a game changing win. I don’t think there are any magic potions at this stage of Murray’s career. The good news is that he played much better this year and is now #2 in the world. That means he won’t have to face Novak until the finals.
I think Murray was already in a good place even before DC. But this is something that he wanted to win and achieving it will give him a good deal of satisfaction.
Djoker was 24 and at his peak. Andy is almost past his prime. But as there seem to be no young challengers, Andy may not face many obstacles if he gets truly inspired because he is incredibly talented. The winning lob at the end of the exciting rally reminded me what this man is capable of.
Djokovic was 23 this time five years ago, not 24. DC success at the end of 2010 presaged a great run in 2011 which took him to the top the day after winning his first Wimbledon. His progress was delayed slightly by losing the French Open semi to Federer. He was 24 by then, but we should remember that Murray is a week older. Sure, he could win AO – if only because weirder things have happened than the world no. 2 winning a slam. And as you say, no young stars are breaking through. Murray is a prime prospect, so… age-wise…
23 or 24, what does it matter. Djoko was in the peak of his prime.
The peak of his prime or the prime of his peak.