No summer success for Murray unless he downs dominant Djokovic

Victory over Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s French Open final could have significantly changed the outlook of Andy Murray’s summer, but a four-set loss ensured the British star could be heading into the Autumn empty handed.

As the world number two prepares to make his eighth consecutive appearance at Queen’s Club next week, as part of his pre-Wimbledon routine, it’s realistic to expect that Murray won’t win a major – or the Olympics – this year without beating Djokovic at some point.

That problem is reflected in the betting, with Murray 3/1 to win Wimbledon this year, second favourite behind the Serbian at 4/5.

This summer’s Olympic odds follow a similar pattern, where Murray is 4/1 behind Djokovic’s 8/11.

Credit must be given to Murray, having shrugged off the split with former coach Amelie Mauresmo, but few would say it’s ideal preparation for a packed summer schedule.

But the Scot’s appearance in his first French Open final will doubtless ensure Murray mania is in full flow at SW19 this year, and you can get 12/1 on a Wimbledon and Olympic Gold double this year.

But to back that double would suggest you fancy a change in the history between these two long-time friends and rivals.

Born just a week apart in 1987, Djokovic has ensured much more than that separates the pair now.

The Serbian’s win on Sunday ensured he’s now won 24 times to Murray’s 10 victories, but it’s the recent results that should concern even the most loyal fans of Britain’s finest tennis talent.

Murray won in Rome last month, but Djokovic has won an incredible 13 of their last 15 meetings, a run which began after their 2013 Wimbledon Final clash.

However, that win in Rome, plus the first set in Paris, shows that the 29-year-old, at this moment in time, can trouble Djokovic.

If the duo meet again this summer – at Wimbledon or Rio, can Murray reverse the recent trend and beat the Serb?

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.