Isner tips Murray for long reign

PARIS: Paris Masters runner-up John Isner believes new World No 1 Andy Murray can reign supreme at the top of the rankings for a long time after dethroning Novak Djokovic.

American Isner was beaten 6-3, 67 (4/7), 6-4 in Sunday’s final in the French capital as Murray marked his remarkable rise with an eighth title of the season.

“I think he does have that in him,” said Isner, when asked if Murray could match Djokovic’s 122-week run as number one. “But it will be tough. Novak sustained such an incredible level for so long, and then Roger (Federer) before him.

“So we are in an era right now, it’s pretty spectacular with these guys. Everyone keeps upping the ante. Right now it’s Murray doing that.

“He achieved his goal of getting to No 1. But I think his next goal is staying there for a very long time. He’s going to give everything he has to achieve that.”

While regarded as part of the ‘Big Four’ — alongside Federer, Djokovic and Rafael Nadal — that has dominated men’s tennis for over a decade, Murray’s Grand Slam record pales in comparison to the other three.

But Isner backed Murray to increase his haul of three major titles — Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016 and the 2012 US Open — and named him as the favourite for next year’s Australian Open.

“I know he’s made a lot of finals, as well. Put him in any other era, he probably has more Grand Slams, but he’s at the top of the game right now and he’s going to give himself plenty more opportunity to win these big tournaments.

“As it looks right now, he’ll be the favourite going into Melbourne,” added Isner, with Murray a five-time finalist Down Under. AFP