O2 Barclays Finals and what will be different for Andy Murray next year!

On the eve of the semi-finals of the O2 I think the final will feature Murray and Djokovic. I sense that these two guys are opening a small gap between themselves and the rest. Roger has had a great year but in his quest to regain number 1 and break one of the few records he didn't hold.....most weeks at number 1, he has played the 4th most matches in a year in his career. I think Roger is tired and his tournament will end tomorrow.

Rafa will come back strong but after 6-7 months out it might take until the clay to regain full match sharpness. Del Potro is a growing force but I think Murray and Djokovic will fight it out for world number 1 in 2013. Andy is relaxed, the major monkey off his back and he is my favourite to lift the Wimbledon trophy next year. Australia will be interesting with Andy and Novak clear front runners. A lot will depend on how hard Roger is still willing to work in the off season as to how he will show in Melbourne. Jerzy is unknown and if he has a run will be good for tennis. Berdych is kind of where Murray used to be but not as consistent yet. The jury is still out on whether he can win a major? Ability says yes but mentally not quite closed the gap on the top four. Del Potro is a good bet for another Slam soon and he would be my 3rd favourite for Oz in the same bracket as Rafa.

Overall next year is different for Andy as its the first time he enters a year as a genuine No1 contender and reigning US and Olympic Champion. The mind changes. The level of relaxed pride and self belief is immense and the next two years will see him and Novak dominate the game.