Murray’s ace year

"Beating Federer in Cincinnati was great. He lost only five times this year, won 92 matches and Rafael Nadal was the only other guy who beat him."

Speaking to The Sun, the 19 year old also laughed at those that had said he was mad to think he could end the year inside the top 20. Starting in January as world 64th Murray enters 2007 in 17th.

"The last 12 months have been just fantastic. My breakthrough year was 2005 but I think 2006 will go down as the year I proved I could beat some of the world's top players.

"Winning my first title in San Jose [in February] was special. I beat Andy Roddick in the semi, which was my first win over a former Grand Slam champion. But defeating Lleyton Hewitt in the final felt amazing.

"I had won some big titles as a junior but this was huge – it gave me so much confidence. The trophy from San Jose is in my bedroom, although I haven't seen it much."

Murray said his worst moment of the year was splitting with his coach Mark Petchey.

"It was one of those things that happened." he said. "It was a difficult decision but I felt it was the right one.

"Life is good with [my new coach] Brad Gilbert and my results are decent.

"I know I will still have some sticky moments in my career but hopefully not too many."