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The Rise, Fall, and Second Wind: The roller coaster ride of Andy Murray

By Brandon Daniels

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Andy Murray of Great Britain acknowledges the crowd as he celebrates victory after the Gentlemen's Singles first round match against Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan on day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 3, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 03: Andy Murray of Great Britain acknowledges the crowd as he celebrates victory after the Gentlemen's Singles first round match against Alexander Bublik of Kazakhstan on day one of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 3, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates at championship point during the Men’s Singles Final against Milos Raonic of Canada on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 10: Andy Murray of Great Britain celebrates at championship point during the Men’s Singles Final against Milos Raonic of Canada on day thirteen of the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 10, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

2016: Wimbledon title #2 and ascent to World #1

Murray struggled with injuries after 2013 and fell out of the top ten by 2014. He was back to 2nd in the world in 2015 after winning two Masters 1000 titles and reaching the final of two more, as well as his fourth Australian Open finals appearance. Despite losing to Djokovic, Murray got back into the top four for the first time in 12 months.

The summer of 2016 could possibly be regarded as one of his best stretches of tennis in his career, ranking right up next to his summer four years prior. This time, he won three straight events, beginning with his 5th win at the Queen’s Club Championship. He immediately won his second Wimbledon title, defeating Milos Raonic in straight sets. A gold medal win in Rio De Janiero gave Murray his 3rd consecutive win, becoming the first man to have two gold medals in a singles event.

Murray’s 2016 World Tour Finals victory over Novak Djokovic ensured his place as ATP World #1 for the end of the year. He was the first British man to finish the year at the top since the practice began in 1973. He also became the first player in history to have won a Grand Slam, Olympic Gold Medal, Masters 1000 Series, and the ATP World Tour Finals in the same calendar year.

Murray was on top of the world. However, his roller-coaster ride was about to take an unexpected turn.

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