Masterful Murray moves up rankings

Updated 07.27 Mon Aug 04 2008

Keywords: Novak Djokovic, Wimbledon, world, Rafael Nadal, Jamie Murray, Cincinnati Masters, Andy Murray, America, news, ITN, Tennis, sport

Andy Murray's fine start to the American hard court season has seen him climb to a career-high sixth in the latest Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings.

The British number one's previous best was eighth, attained in June 2007, but a semi-final appearance in the Toronto Masters last month, followed by last night's stunning victory over Novak Djokovic in the final of the Cincinnati Masters, have seen him leap three places in today's rankings.

Andy Murray: "It's huge because to win these tournaments is tough nowadays"

Murray has swapped places with Andy Roddick, now ninth, while Roger Federer hangs on to the number one spot, although that will now inevitably be taken by Spain's Rafael Nadal later this month.

The Scot said: "It's huge because to win these tournaments is tough nowadays.

"I've played five days in these conditions and had eight or nine matches in the last couple of weeks - but I've put in the physical work and it's paid off."

Fellow 21-year-old Djokovic, a rival of Murray's from their junior days, paid tribute to his friend.

He said: "Well done to Andy. It is his first Masters Series but I am sure there are going to be a lot more."