Could Andy Murray Be Ready for His Best Season Yet in 2009?

Andy Murray made a stellar start to 2009, the World No. 4 making light work of World No. 10 James Blake.

The young Scot defeated the 29-year-old American in straight sets, 6-2 6-2, in the opening match of the Capitala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, showing off his full repertoire of shots as well as physical fitness.

The reward for his victory was a semi-final clash with World No. 2 and 13 time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer, a game in which the real test of his skill and ability would come.

And sure enough, having won three of his previous four meetings against the Swiss, Murray was again back to his best, avenging his US Open final defeat by beating Federer in three sets, 4-6 6-2 7-6.

In that match, Murray more than matched the performance of the former World No.1, using a vast array of shots and overcoming a niggling back injury, as well as an excited crowd in the Zayed Sports City Arena who were clearly in favour of a Federer win.

The reward for gaining revenge against Federer was a showdown in the final against current World No. 1, Rafael "The Matador" Nadal.

It was a game that would not only test Murray's skill and ability, but also his fitness, as Nadal is notorious for his superhuman physical fitness and strength, as well as his full repertoire of amazing shots.

After beating such players as James Blake and Roger Federer, it was clear not even 'The Matador' could intimidate the Scot, as Murray forced his way to leading the first set against Nadal, 6-4.

The Spaniard fought back, taking the second set 7-5, but it was to be Andy Murray's day, as he won the deciding set a convincing 6-3, winning, 6-4 5-7 6-3.

And after doing the one-two double over Federer and Nadal for the first time, it is clear that Murray is on top of the world with his tennis, as he warms up for the 2009 Australian Open in just over two weeks time.

The 21-year old is Britain's best hope of winning a Grand Slam, something which hasn't been done by a British tennis player in 72 years.

After a successful Miami training camp, and indeed the tournament in Abu Dhabi which has seen him become Champion of the World, the idea of Murray reaching this milestone is clearly more than just hope, it could well be a reality.

2009 could well be the year for Andy Murray. He is at his highest ranking so far, fourth best in the world; he has shown he can beat the best, with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal once again succumbing to his talents; and of course, he is the World Champion.

Just three days into the new year and he is already at the highest point he ever has been in his career. He is one of the top contenders for the Australian Open, and the rest of the world knows the power of this man.

Possibly Britain's best tennis star yet, and all the indications show that 2009 could well be the season we see the best of Andy Murray, and the season Britain ends its 72-year wait for a Grand Slam winner.