Murray faces Djokovic test
BRITAIN’S Andy Murray will face world No1 Novak Djokovic in a match that is likely to provide the highlight of the group stages of next week’s ATP World Tour Finals at London’s 02 Arena.
Murray and Djokovic have been paired together in Group A, which also contains Spaniard David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, who ended the Brit’s 18-match winning streak at last week’s Paris Masters.
Djokovic and Murray have met three times already this season with the Serb having won twice, including a straight sets massacre at the Australian Open final in January.
But their most recent clash in the final of the Cincinnati Masters in August ended prematurely with Murray leading 6-3, 3-0 when Djokovic retired with a shoulder injury.
Fitness has been an increasing issue for Djokovic, whose stellar season has been capped by victories in three of the four grand slam events, ever since his maiden US Open triumph and has forced him to withdraw from his last two tournaments, due to back and shoulder complaints.
On the other side of the draw, Group B contains world No2 Rafael Nadal, last week’s winner in Paris Roger Federer, as well as France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and big-serving American Mardy Fish.
GROUP A | MURRAY’S OPPONENTS
NOVAK DJOKOVIC
Age: 24
World Ranking: 1
Record v Murray: Won 6; Lost 4
TOMAS BERDYCH
Age: 26
World Ranking: 7
Record v Murray: Won 3; Lost 1
DAVID FERRER
Age: 29
World Ranking: 5
Record v Murray: Won 3; Lost 5