Andy Murray overtakes Federer in world rankings

IT WAS three and easy for Andy Murray in the final of the Shanghai Masters yesterday, where he defeated the Spaniard David Ferrer to claim his third title in as many weeks. The win takes Murray to No.3 in the ATP world rankings and above Roger Federer for the first time in his career.
 
The victory follows tournament wins in Bangkok and Tokyo, taking the Scot’s hot streak to 25 wins in 26 matches over a near flawless hard-court season. Murray was already fond of Shanghai after claiming the title last year and he had too much for Ferrer yesterday, easing the world No.5 aside in straight sets.
 
"It’s been one of the best runs of my life," Murray said. "I’ve played very, very well the last few weeks and I was very nervous today because I wanted to try and win here and defend my title."
 
Success in Shanghai brings Murray his eighth Masters Series title, taking him clear of Michael Chang to 12th in the all-time winners list. It is his second Masters victory of 2011, and his fifth ATP title.
 
Murray’s rise means that Federer falls outside the top three for the first time since June 2003, just before he won his first Grand Slam title.
 
The Scot’s aim now is to hold his No.3 spot until the end of the year. He has a three-week break before the Paris Masters on 7 November. The season concludes with the World Tour Finals in London.

It will take a dramatic collapse now to prevent him achieving his goal of a career-high year-end ranking. ·