How No. 1 Novak Djokovic and No. 2 Andy Murray compare ahead of their 2016 French Open final showdown.
On Sunday in Paris, No. 1 Novak Djokovic will take on No. 2 Andy Murray for the 2016 French Open title. Djokovic leads their head-to-head 23–10 but Murray won their most recent meeting last month in Rome in straight sets. This is a pretty even matchup with Murray having a slight edge on first serve performance through the tournament and Djokovic having an edge on return of serve.
The problem that Murray faces is simple. These two have similar games but Djokovic is just a bit better overall. Djokovic leads the tour returning 1st serves and Murray is 7th on Tour. The big difference is in winning points on their own 2nd serves. Again Djokovic is No. 1 on Tour in that category and Murray is 15th. The matchup sees the best 2nd serve on Tour (Djokovic) facing the 2nd best return and the best return (Djokovic) facing the 15th best 2nd serve. Advantage, Djokovic.
Given those numbers and how they've played here so far, it's understandable that in their last 16 meetings, the player who has won the 2nd serve battle has won 14 times. The only thee times Murray has beaten Djokovic in the last four years, he has held Djokovic to 50% 2nd serve points won or less.
There's an old saying in tennis, "You're only as good as your 2nd serve.” In that case Djokovic is the clear No. 1.