Andy Murray capped off a memorable day for the family with qualification for the ATP World Tour Finals last four, just hours after brother Jamie was crowned year-end doubles number one with Brazilian partner Bruno Soares.
Murray, hoping to follow in his elder brother’s footsteps and seal the singles number one ranking with victory in London, defeated Stan Wawrinka 6-4, 6-2.
The 29-year-old needed only to win the opening set to secure his semi-final berth, but cruised past the Swiss world number three to top the John McEnroe group and win his 22nd match on the bounce.
But he got off to a slow start in front of the 16,000 supporters packed into the capital’s O2 Arena, allowing Wawrinka to dominate the early stages with a barrage of winners, before eventually breaking for 4-3.
From there though, two-time Olympic champion Murray took control despite Wawrinka’s best efforts, capitalising on his opponent’s frustrations in the seventh game.
After clinching the first set – and therefore securing a semi-final berth – Murray raced to a 4-0 lead in the second, before closing out the tie in one hour and 26 minutes.
“The first set was tight, there weren’t really many chances either way, I just managed to get the break a bit later in the set,” said the three-time Grand Slam winner.
“In the second set, I had already qualified but Stan needed to win, so it was a bit easier for me to play freer than him.
“Obviously, things can change quickly at this level. Stan is one of the best players in the world and when he plays his best tennis, he is unplayable, so I just tried to maintain my level when the ball was there to be attacked.
“I played a very solid match, and I’m very happy to get through to the semis.”
Murray will face Milos Raonic in the semi-finals on Saturday, a player he beat in straight sets to clinch his second Wimbledon title earlier this year.
The Scot is only too aware of the danger the Canadian poses, but admits having a home crowd on his back is a huge confidence boost.
“I’m looking forward to playing Milos, I think he has played very well so far in this event. They are quick conditions here so he will be tough, he’s got a huge serve,” he added.
“But I’m looking forward to it, [like I do] every match I play out here. It’s an amazing stadium and an amazing atmosphere, so I look forward to tomorrow.”
Earlier in the day, Murray and Soares’ position at the top of the doubles ranking was secured, thanks to Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut’s defeat to Henri Kontinen and John Peers.
Murray and Soares – the reigning US and Australian Open champions – will fight for a spot in Sunday’s final in tomorrow’s last four clash, against, as yet, unknown opponents.
But whatever happens in the capital, 30-year-old Murray insists they couldn’t be happier to be on top as 2016 draws to a close.
He said: "It's very exciting. It's a strange way to do it in the end but we've had a great year and won some big tournaments."
Sportsbeat 2016