Murray set to replace Novak as world No. 1

It will take a while, because Novak Djokovic is so far out in front on points right now.

But I think in 2017, the new Wimbledon champion can overtake the Serb at the top of the world rankings.

Andy’s performance against Milos Raonic in last Sunday’s final was so clinical, so calculated and so good that it is realistic to see him close the gap on Djokovic.

Some people have said his second success at SW19 was a bit hollow because his greatest rival had been knocked out early in the tournament.

Nonsense. On the form Andy produced in the Final, I believe he would have won comfortably had Djokovic been on the other side of the net.

I spoke to Boris Becker, Novak’s coach, early in the first week. He admitted that his man was feeling very flat after his efforts in Paris.

Having achieved his number one target of winning the French – so completing his Grand Slam – Djokovic’s motivation coming into Wimbledon suffered.

I think the shock of losing to Sam Querrey will certainly put Novak back on track. He will regain his mojo in time for the Olympic Games and the US Open.

However, it’s clear to me that Andy Murray has stepped up a gear. He is in a great place right now, very focused, very targeted.

His service returns against Raonic were incredible.

It was very interesting to compare Andy’s performance with Roger Federer’s tactics against Raonic in the semi-final.

The Scot stood much further back behind the baseline to receive the Canadian’s first serve. By giving himself that extra split- second, Murray was able to return serve while going forward.

He returned so many more balls than Federer, who stood further forward to try to block the serve.

The result was Murray blunted the effectiveness of Raonic’s big weapon. Okay, there was only one break of serve in the match, but Andy put pressure on his opponent in almost every service game.

When it came to the two tiebreaks, Raonic was on the back foot. The Scot was just different class.

He was ridiculously good and made returning 140mph serves look like shelling peas.

Grand Slam victories are always the main target for any player, but I believe Andy also has his eyes on the No. 1 spot.

I will be very surprised if he doesn’t now go on to win a few more Grand Slams. I can only see Djokovic beating him over five sets, and now there is nothing between the two of them.

They have separated themselves from the rest. It will stay that way for another year or two.

I am disappointed that Andy is not playing in the Davis Cup tie against Serbia this weekend.

I understand that he is physically and mentally tired after his Wimbledon efforts, but he could have won his two singles matches in Belgrade in his sleep.

However, Andy has earned some leeway. He has a great shot at winning a second Olympic Gold medal in Rio, and a second US Open in New York.

He is now very close to being the best in the world. He could reach that peak next year.

Andy Murray keeps a tight grip on the Wimbledon trophy.

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