Scot likely to hold on to top ranking well into 2017

Courier Sport looks at what we can expect from world No 1 Andy Murray next season.

How likely is Murray to hold on to the number one ranking?

In the short term, very likely indeed. Djokovic began 2016 in phenomenal form, winning the Australian Open and the Masters titles in Indian Wells and Miami, so will find it difficult to gain points over the first part of the season. Murray did very well again in Melbourne, losing to Djokovic in the final, but took February off following the birth of his daughter and lost early in both Indian Wells and Miami. His form picked up during the clay season but Djokovic still claimed more points so, barring a collapse from Murray, it is highly probable the Scot will still be world No 1 come Wimbledon.

What will be Murray’s biggest goals?

Aside from staying number one, Murray’s two big goals will be winning the Australian Open and French Open. He has reached the final in Australia five times, including the last two years, but has not managed to lift the trophy. This is surely his best chance yet. Winning at Roland Garros was only something that really came on to his radar in 2015 when his game suddenly clicked on clay. Were he to win both, he would become only the ninth man ever to complete the career grand slam.

Will Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal be back?

Both are confident of being fit for the start of 2017 and it will be fascinating to see how much of a threat they can pose to Murray and his new-found status. Federer is 35 and has not played since July so is likely to need some time to find his stride again, while it may be hard for Nadal to trust his body after it has let him down so often. Both could well be seeded outside the top eight in Australia, making the draw potentially very interesting.

Who are the other dangers?

Milos Raonic finished the year ranked number three and showed the improvements he has made in pushing Murray all the way in the semi-finals at the O2. The likes of Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori are always capable of causing an upset while Nick Kyrgios returns from his ban with a lot to prove about whether he can live up to his undoubted potential. Young players like Dominic Thiem, Lucas Pouille and Alexander Zverev made big strides in 2016 and will hope to continue that progress.

Milos Raonic: now ranked No 3.