Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray: Score, Reaction for 2016 ATP World Tour Finals

Andy Murray clinched the 2016 ATP World Tour Finals crown on Sunday after he defeated Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 at London's O2 Arena to move one step closer to completing his already glittering trophy cabinet. 

The victory also ensured Murray will retain his place as world No. 1 in the end-of-year rankings, beating Djokovic—the only player who could have stripped the Scot of his throne—to cap off a historic 2016.

Murray described it as "special" to end the year as No. 1, per BBC Sport: "I'm very happy to win, and to be world No. 1 is very special. It's very special playing against Novak in a match like this. We've played Grand Slam finals and Olympic finals before, but I am very happy to win. It is something I never expected."

But runner-up Djokovic was humble in defeat and accepted his fate as the world's second-best for the time being: "Andy is definitely No. 1 in the world. He deserved to win. He is the best player. In the decisive moments, I wasn't able to come back. I played better late in the match, but it wasn't enough."

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It was only too fitting that Murray was asked to prove himself against his top-spot predecessor in the year's final tournament final, responding with a vigorous display of heart and determination at the O2.

Sports writer Liam Canning summarised a whirlwind 2016 for the Scot, who has gone from stride to stride since recovering from injury en route to the greatest 12 months of his career:

The Greenwich audience was treated to a fast and furious start between the two finalists, where it was actually Djokovic who threatened to break early on and Murray failed to win a single point in his first two receiving games.

That all changed in the sixth game, however, where Djokovic saved two break points against his foe as the two embarked upon a 13-point war, and former British pro Greg Rusedski was in awe of the quality on display:

Murray then followed that up with his most comfortable serving game to steal a narrow lead before snatching the first break of the match to open up a critical incision against relentless opposition.

It was the Briton who looked the more at ease when breaking into longer rallies, and tennis writer David Law provided some insight as to what might allow him to succeed against such a talented rival:

While Murray is enjoying arguably the best tennis of his life, Djokovic looked out of sorts at the O2 and finally surrendered the first set after hitting low into the net, granting his foe the first major opening of their encounter.

The nerves appeared evident early in the second set, too, as tennis writer Chris Goldsmith hailed Djokovic's ability to hold on to his serve, although a fourth and final break point eventually proved too much:

Murray raced two games ahead after only surrendering a point in his first serving game of the set, where an easy miss was all that stopped him from winning to love and turning the screw even further on his enemy.

Djokovic finally regained his footing to recover a game in his second serving attempt, and it was at this point the Serb's tally of 18 unforced errors—compared to Murray's 13, per Flashscore.com—began to take effect.

And all of a sudden, Sunday's final transformed from a potentially tight scrummage into a demolition job on Murray's behalf, with the 29-year-old again serving out to go 3-1 ahead before breaking Djokovic for a third time.

A rampaging backhand saw the Scot take a 40-0 lead on Djokovic's serve, only for the the Serbian superstar to hit another backhand attempt long and help hand his opponent a substantial three-game cushion. Sports writer Ross Dunbar gushed over Murray's stamina, arguably the greatest tool he has in his tennis locker:

The O2 exploded into applause with every sight at Murray's success, but there was something of a quiet patch in Greenwich after Djokovic finally took his first break of the match before piling on the pressure to close the score back to 4-3.

Djokovic was even unfortunate to not have challenged at 30-15 down in the following game, which would have procured him a point, and the former world No. 1 was left rooting for inspiration, via Sky Sports presenter David Garrido:

Murray was made to work for his title-sealing finish at the last hurdle and faced three championship points before an overhit Djokovic forehand finally pushed the result over the goal line—and deservedly so given the standard of his display.

Djokovic's ATP World Tour Finals title streak came to a close at four successive victories, while Murray took gold for the first time in his career at this tournament, heading into 2017 with a world of prospects ahead.