Milos Raonic believes a final against Novak Djokovic at the ATP World Tour Finals will be the “biggest test” of Andy Murray’s recent rise to the top of the world rankings.
Murray defeated Raonic in a 3hr 38min marathon in Saturday's first semi-final and will face Djokovic, who saw off Kei Nishikori 6-1 6-1, in Sunday's decider.
Murray has now won 23 matches in a row and replaced Djokovic as world No 1 earlier this month, but he has not faced the Serb on his current run and Raonic believes it will be his sternest examination yet.
Speaking after his defeat to Murray, the Canadian said: "That will be the biggest test, I think. Andy has been the best player in the world, definitely, for the last six months.
"That's the only thing that's sort of missing from there, that showdown with Novak. If that's the scenario tomorrow, it couldn't be a more ideal one, let's say, for a person that loves tennis."
Raonic led the semi-final by a set and a break and also had a match point in the third-set tie break, but Murray fought back and eventually prevailed 5-7 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (11-9).
It was Raonic's second defeat in the tournament, having also lost to Djokovic in the group stages, and he admitted the world No 1 and No 2's ability to rise to the big occasion had been key.
He added: "I think they dealt better with the opportunities. They maximised better on those opportunities.
"They have been here many more times than I have; they have been in those situations many more times than I have."
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