5 reasons (obvious?) Murray is not winning 2016 WTF final.

1. TOC (Time on court) stat?

Djokovic: 6:31.

Murray: 9:54.

2. Murray has lost two sets to just one for Djokovic?

Djokovic: Lost to Thiem.

Murray: Lost to Nishikori and Haironic.

3. Last match the two played?

Djokovic not only won in straight sets, he dished TWO breadsticks - to Nishikori ranked No. 5. - in an hour (1:06).

Murray not only dropped a set (opening set) and had to win the remaining two in close tie breaks, he also had to save match point - in 3:38.

4. Exhale / Inhale factor?

Djokovic's manhood is on the line with his most prized possession (No. 1) at stake. He may have reconciled with not being No. 1 anymore but to reverse the slide one last time with all the low hanging carrots (Murray with home court advantage, two Federer records, year-end No. 1 etc.) providing added motivation it's worth the 'inhale'.

Murray has to have 'exhaled' big freaking time for not just becoming No. 1 which itself was totally unexpected but to also get there so soon. Besides, he knows he will regain it given Djokovic's state that denies a long stint at current form. So why kill yourself - for nothing?

5. Bribed money disparity?

Nadal has offered FAR more money to Djokovic to 'dampen' Federer than Federer has to Murray to save his 'behind'.

Comments

[O]

If Federer comes back next year, he really should play a very limited schedule. He should only select some fast courts and slams, while skipping everything on clay. By playing less, maybe he could contribute and succeed more. The thing with D is that he has overwhelming power, maybe too much for M at this point now. With perfect conditioning and body tuning, the Fed may find a really chance to play a slam final with a legit chance. The past three slam final losses and WTF losses should be a lesson learned.

[O]

For Nadal it's the same thing. This guy dragged himself out of hiatus to play Olympics singles, doubles, mixed doubles... Sure he won gold, but got a wrist injury once again threatens to end his career? Perhaps he should only be playing on clay?

[O]

Djokovic showing signs to catch Petes 14 next year?

[David]

I agree with what O said either about Federer, Nadal and Djokovic. I would be happy seeing Federer and Nadal on court again next year. I believe that they still have power to get grand slam title. In the other words, I want the competition in tennis match from the big four keep on lasting as long as could be.

[O]

With M, this has to be the weakest number one going into a final match ever seen.