The stakes were high but who had the nerve and accuracy to succeed in the 'Gong Challenge'? Andy Murray headlined a host of singles and doubles players taking part.
See how the battle for year-end No. 1 stands between Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic stands going into Thursday's action at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.
Note: Story updated after Novak Djokovic's straight-sets win over David Goffin Thursday. Who is going to finish the year No. 1? More than half-way through the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, we’re not much closer to an answer. Neither Andy Murray nor Novak Djokovic is giving each other an inch in the battle to finish No. 1 in the year-end Emirates ATP Rankings. Both remain undefeated in round-robin play, with Djokovic already booking his spot in the semi-finals after a perfect 3-0 record over the first five days. Having played one more match than Murray, Djokovic is effectively 70 points ahead of the Scot. But if Murray picks up 200 points by winning his final round-robin match Friday against Stan...
Don’t be seduced by the long rallies. Our eyes are naturally drawn to the drama of matches, the running, the sliding and the spectacular. Andy Murray defeated Kei Nishikori 6-7(9), 6-4, 6-4 in a grueling three hour and twenty minute slug-fest. There were plenty of twists and turns before the World No. 1 finally held serve to love to put the result to bed. An examination of typical match metrics would have you firmly believing that it was Nishikori who took the honours. Here’s 13 areas where the Japanese star fared better, although some are linked more to stroke performance than match outcome. Nishikori’s Advantage 1. Hit more overall winners (37-31). 2. Won more points at net (21-15). 3. Made...