Murray major contender for No 1

Abu Dhabi: Rafael Nadal carried the No 1 spot and Roger Federer is looking to regain that position. But last year's most-improved player, Andy Murray has carried that form and in winning the Capitala World Tennis Championship here on Saturday, added a new dimension to the battle for the top spot.

Novak Djokovic will also be a strong contender, but if Nadal and Federer had any thoughts that it would be a two-way battle, the 21-year old Scot served notice of his intentions, having scalped both the No 1 and 2 players on successive days.

Finishing last season as No 4, the highest ranking by any British player in 40 years, Murray has strongly set his eyes on a Grand Slam win.

But going by his early form, he should be there in the final frame when the season ends as he scored his second successive win over Nadal and now firmly believes he can beat anyone on the circuit.

"It was an awesome way to start the year. It was a long match physically, it didn't feel like an exhibition. Some of the rallies were incredible and I feel really good about the way I played them. Some of them were over 25 to 30 shots," said Murray, who collected $250,000 (Dh919,500) for his wins over world No 10 James Blake, Federer and Nadal during the course of the first three days of the New Year.

"This performance has definitely given me confidence. We both fought hard and in good spirit. When we play in the Australia Open next week, I know I'll be able to beat him in a tight match," said Murray, who also meets all the top three in the ExxonMobil Open in Qatar, where he is the defending champion.

Just 21 and with a fantastic past year of achievements under his belt, Murray has also made the right moves off-court. Last year, he signed a team of four to help him instead of a single coach and last week he roped in the management company that takes care of David Beckam's affairs.

"I have a lot of aims to chip in with some charity work. The other goal is to set up an academy. I think it is best that a good company takes care of this," he said.

In reply to a question from Gulf News on his chances in Doha and then in Australia, Murray said, "Last year, I won in Doha but lost in the first round at the Australian Open. I would not mind reversing those results.

"I will be using the Doha event to prepare for the Australian Open," he said.

"Whatever happens in Qatar, I know I can get into the sort of level like here pretty quickly. But I should do it for two weeks and this is what I will be working towards," said Murray.