ATP Madrid – Djokovic – Murray, nostalgic poster: « He is world No. 1, I have a metal hip »

It was another time, it was five years ago. Only. But fates are capricious and never respect the dynamics that we thought were fixed. That was only five years ago. January 9, 2017: the year begins as it ended, with a duel at the top between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. The Serb gave up his place as world number one to King Murray, the undisputed boss of the circuit at the end of 2016 (Wimbledon, Masters, Beijing Olympics, Three Masters 1000).

January 9, 2017: in Doha, Melbourne is already on everyone’s mind. This final is Djokovic who wins it. This final must above all draw a season placed under the sign of the growing rivalry between the two men with the Australian Open final in sight. Neither one nor the other will be there.

For the Djoker, it’s the start of a nightmarish season, announced by his elimination in the second round against the anonymous Denis Istomin in his Australian lair. For the Briton, it’s an elimination in the round of 16 against Mischa Zverev and a year when his hip will start to creak. 2017 sweeps away the balance of power of 2016 to bring the eternal Federer-Nadal back into the light as the poster of the year.

A classic duel between the world number one and the 78th player in the world?

The brutality of the figures is thus made: this Thursday, it is an ordinary duel against the 78th player in the world who awaits the Djoker in his quest for sensations. But for Murray, it’s much more. If he clung so much in the past, if he suffered so much to relearn how to play at the highest level with this new hip, it is also, and above all, to relive the thrill of these prestigious posters.

« We had so many big battles for years, in the biggest tournaments in the worldhe rewound with a smile. I think we played against each other in the final of all the Grand Slams, we also played here in Madrid in the final… I haven’t had the opportunity to play against him for a very long time. In reality, I didn’t know if I would have this chance again so I’m going to take advantage of it, try to have a fantastic attitude during the game, give my best and we’ll see where it takes me« .

Murray, from rival to inspirational figure

This unfailing resilience of the Scot, Djokovic did not miss anything. The Serb was part of the tribute video released in Melbourne in January 2019 to congratulate Murray on his fantastic career. « What a trip we hadhe smiled then, thinking, like many, that Sir Andy’s adventure was coming to an end. We played against each other when we were twelve in a small village in France and you kicked my ass like you should. Who would have guessed that we would end up having such incredible careers?« . Who could have guessed that the duel would still be on the program in 2022?

Always very aware of the circuit and the dynamics of the players he faces, Djokovic obviously watched Murray’s courageous return to business. « He moves better and better, he plays better and bettersaid the Serb. It’s really fantastic to see, because he’s an important player in the history of the game. […] To have him still in competition is great but to see him playing at the highest level as the years go by, taking into account his operation and all that he has been through in recent years… His resilience and his fighting-spirit are really inspiring« .