Murray can end 2017 as world number one - Rusedski
Having deposed Novak Djokovic as world number one in November, Greg Rusedski does not expect Andy Murray to relinquish the position.
Andy Murray can retain his place at the top of the world rankings until the end of 2017, according to Greg Rusedski.
After reuniting with coach Ivan Lendl, Murray won his third grand slam at Wimbledon and went on to add Olympic gold before a quarter-final exit to Kei Nishikori in the US Open.
The Brit then won four straight titles to displace Novak Djokovic as world number one, holding onto the position by beating the Serbian to the ATP World Tour Finals title in London last month.
Rusedski believes Murray can maintain that momentum and lead throughout next year.
"He hasn't won the Australian or the French Open, those are the two titles he'll be desperate to win, he wasn't won two majors in a year, and he'll probably want to end the year as world number one," he told Omnisport ahead of the ATP Champions Tennis event.
"Now that he's reached number one, it's now about maintaining that position, and that's where Ivan Lendl comes in. He's been there and done it, and knows how to manage it.
"It's always harder being number one and staying there than it is to get there, but I think Murray is equipped to keep it."
Greg Rusedski and Pat Rafter are playing Champions Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall from 30th Nov – 4th Dec 2016. The final few tickets are still available at www.championstennis.co.uk/tickets