Andy Murray praises rivals after US Open win
Scot adds US Open title to his Olympic gold, but says Federer and Djokovic are players of 2012
Andy Murray may have captured the US Open and Olympic titles, but he insisted yesterday that Roger Federer and vanquished New York rival Novak Djokovic remain the standout players of 2012.
British leaders, tennis chiefs and former players hailed the Scot after he became the first British man to win a grand slam in 76 years. Murray, 25, defeated world No 2 and defending champion Djokovic 7-6 (12-10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 in an epic final.
Twenty-nine of the previous 30 majors had been won by either Federer, Djokovic or Rafael Nadal - the three men who also divided up the year's other three grand slam titles between them.
"I don't think I have had the best year on the tour. The last few months have been great for me, but there is more to the tennis tour than just the grand slams," said Murray, who was also Britain's first Wimbledon finalist since Bunny Austin in 1938.
"Novak has played great tennis in most of the Masters Series as well. Roger has got himself back to No 1. I think it is important to remember the tennis season starts in January and finishes in November.
"There are four slams, but there are also many other tournaments to get to No 1 in the world. I think if you're No 1 you deserve to be the player of the year. I would say Novak or Roger would be the best players this year."