Saturday, December 17, 2016

Andy Murray named ITF world champion for 2016

Britain
Britain's Andy Murray finished the year as world No 1

Andy Murray has been named ITF world champion for 2016, with brother Jamie winning the doubles award with partner Bruno Soares.

Murray became world No 1 for the first time, won Wimbledon, Olympic gold and the ATP World Tour Finals title in a stellar year.

In the ATP Tour Finals, he beat Novak Djokovic in the final to ensure he, rather than the Serb, finished the year top of the world rankings.

Murray said: "It means a lot to me to be named ITF world champion. I have had such a memorable year, winning again at Wimbledon, retaining my Olympic title, and clinching the year-end No 1 ranking in the last match of the season.

"It is particularly special with my brother Jamie also becoming world champion."

Angelique Kerber shocked everyone by beating Serena Williams in the final of the Australian Open in January
Angelique Kerber shocked everyone by beating Serena Williams in the final of the Australian Open in January

Angelique Kerber becomes Germany's first women's world champion since Steffi Graf.

She won the Australian Open and US Open titles, and silver at the Olympics.

Kerber said: "I'm truly honoured to be named ITF World Champion and to line up with all these past champions. This year was by far the best of my career with so many unforgettable experiences and emotions. I am grateful for the recognition and I'm looking forward to the upcoming challenges."

Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares are the doubles world champions
Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares are the doubles world champions

Jamie Murray and Soares clinched the year-end No 1 team ranking in the last event of 2016 at the ATP World Tour Finals. The British-Brazilian duo enjoyed a breakthrough first season together, capturing their first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, and going on to win the US Open. These were the first major men's doubles titles for both players.

Murray said: "We are very proud to receive this award. It's been an incredible year for us, winning two Grand Slams and finishing as the No 1 team in just our first season together."

Gordon Reid celebrates beating Sweden
Gordon Reid celebrates beating Sweden's Stefan Olsson to win the men's wheelchair singles final at Wimbledon

Gordon Reid was also honoured, becoming the first Briton to be named Wheelchair world champion.

The 25-year-old won his first two Grand Slam singles titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and was also runner-up at Roland Garros.

He went on to win singles gold at the Paralympic Tennis Event, before clinching the year-end No 1 ranking by reaching the final of the NEC Masters.

Reid said: "It's a great honour for me to complete the best year of my career by finishing year-end No.1 for the first time. I can't thank all of my coaching team, family and friends enough for all their dedication and support, which was a vital part of my 2016 successes."

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