Murray push to stay on top of world

No resting on laurels for new No 1 as Scot learns of opponents in ATP World Tour Finals

Andy Murray is preparing for a “big final push” after being drawn with Stan Wawrinka, Kei Nishikori and Marin Cilic at the ATP World Tour Finals.

Murray has never won the prestigious competition and will be looking to retain his new world No 1 crown in London, which he took from Novak Djokovic yesterday.

This year, Murray lost to Nishikori in the US Open quarter-finals and Cilic in the final at Cincinnati.

The Scot beat Wawrinka in the French Open semi-finals in June.

The ATP World Tour Finals starts on Sunday and features the top eight players in the world, with the other group including Djokovic, Milos Raonic, Gael Monfils and Dominic Thiem.

Djokovic has won the season-ending tournament for the last four years running and could claim back top spot in the rankings if he defends his title at the O2 Arena.

Murray, however, will remain at the summit if he can match or better Djokovic’s run, and he will be confident of doing so after securing his fourth consecutive title at the Paris Masters yesterday.

“It’s obviously nice for that to happen and to get to play in London being ranked one,” Murray told ATP TV after the draw.

“Once you get out on the court, though, you’re not thinking about your ranking, you’re playing against the best players in the world.

“Every match is extremely tough and I’ll look forward to getting out there.

“It’s always an amazing atmosphere at the O2, we get great crowds there so it’ll be good fun.”

Murray’s success has put him 405 points ahead of Djokovic in the rankings but has also meant an exhausting few weeks for the British number one.

“I’m trying to take a few days’ rest now,” Murray said.

“Obviously I finished on Sunday in Paris. “I’ll start hitting again on Thursday. “I need a few days’ break now and will start practising again nearer the weekend.

“It’s one big final push for all the guys in the event. It’s been a lot of tennis for everyone this year, so hopefully everyone plays well.”

Murray’s greatest threat in the group stage will be Wawrinka, the world No 3 who won his third grand slam title at the US Open in September.

The Swiss had won three consecutive matches against Murray before their most recent meeting at Roland Garros, when the Briton came through on the clay in four sets.

“It’s been amazing what he’s done this year and also over the past 10 years,” Wawrinka said.

“He’s an amazing player, he’s been fighting for everything and winning almost everything. He deserves to be number one, he’s played so well recently.

“It will be good for him playing at home, being number one just now, so it will be an interesting tournament.”

Murray’s opening match will be against Cilic on Monday.

It’s been amazing what he’s done this year and also over the past 10 years. STAN WAWRINKA ON ANDY MURRAY

Picture: PA. July: Murray wins his second Wimbledon singles final and third grand slam title, defeating Milos Raonic.