Why Missing the 2014 ATP Tour Finals Would Benefit Andy Murray

Andy Murray took a last-minute wild card to enter the Erste Bank Open in Vienna. Murray, ranked No. 11, continues to chase points in an effort to land in the ATP World Tour Finals in London.

The ATP finals features the eight players who've earned the most points this season. Murray is on the outside looking in. If the season ended today, he would miss the cut. If he does, there's no need to panic. 

In fact, after a tumultuous season, missing the finals might be the best thing for Murray. After such a mad dash for points, the dude might welcome a visit from the Sandman. 

Murray could also use the additional time off to improve mentally and physically. He could reassess his game and his coaching relationship. Then, he can get ready for the 2015 season which is just a few months away.

Instead, Murray prefers to stay on the trail he hopes will lead to London. 

Murray is playing in Vienna, along with David Ferrer, who is also trying to return to the year-end championships. Ferrer is vying for his fifth consecutive trip. Both took last-minute wild cards.

Milos Raonic would take the eighth and final slot if the season ended today. The Canadian is entered in the Kremlin Cup. Less than a 100 points separates Murray from Raonic. 

Vincent Thian/Associated Press

Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka have locked up a spot. Kei Nishikori, Tomas Berdych and Marin Cilic hold the fifth, sixth and seventh spots right now. However, none of them have clinched a berth. 

Meanwhile, Grigor Dimitrov has an outside chance. 

Murray probably hopes to salvage his disappointing season. Unfortunately for Murray, even a year-end championship title won't erase the missed opportunities he endured in 2014. He's won just one title this year. 

Murray returned from back surgery early in the year, after six months away from the tour. He expressed how difficult it was to get back in the groove. You have to wonder, is he truly all the way back? Sometimes, even after physical scars have healed, psychological recovery continues.  

If Murray fails to make the tournament, he can devote more time to rebuilding his stamina and recapturing his championship focus.

During Wimbledon, Murray looked spent in his quarterfinals loss to Dimitrov. He appeared lethargic and was thoroughly outplayed. 

Wimbledon was also the debut of Amelie Mauresmo as Murray's coach. Mauresmo replaced Ivan Lendl, who had coached Murray to his two Grand Slam wins. Lendl's name was recently linked to Berdych. However, Lendl told Berdych he was too busy. Perhaps Lendl is considering a comeback. If so, Murray might consider taking him back. 

Murray maintains that he's happy with Mauresmo as coach. However, some time away from the court could produce a new perspective. His results under her have been underwhelming. 

Once mentioned as the newest member of the Big Four, Murray has fallen out of the Top 10. Participating in the year-end festivities would be nice. But not as nice as an Australian Open title.

Perhaps it's time for Murray to shut himself down. It worked for Maria Sharapova, who took the second half of 2013 off to nurse a shoulder injury. She came back refreshed. She's back to No. 2 and will challenge Serena Williams for No. 1.

Nadal shut down his 2012 season in the summer. He came back in 2013 and dominated the tour.

A fighter, Murray refuses to give up on his quest to reclaim his place among the elite. No shame in this late-season push for points. But if Murray falls short, he should embrace the time off. Consider it a gift. Then, recoup, regroup and recharge.