Andy Murray Quietly Enjoying the Greatest Stretch of His Career

After Andy Murray became the first tennis player to win two Olympic gold medals in singles, the British press raised the idea of a knighthood in 2017. If that happens, Sir Andrew Murray can credit his 2016 season, the greatest stretch of his career. 

Beneath all the chatter about Novak Djokovic's dominance and relevance in the greatest-of-all-time conversation, Murray has quietly put together his best season. In fact, if Murray were to win the U.S. Open, he could lay claim to being the best ATP World Tour player in 2016.

This year, Murray is the only ATP player who reached the final in all three Grand Slams. He's on an 18-match winning streak and has also reached the finals in the last six tournaments he's entered. 

When asked about his recent run, Murray told the Guardian's Kevin Mitchell: "The last four months definitely have been the best period of my career. My job is to try and keep that going, keep up this consistency that I’ve had."

The Telegraph's Charlie Eccleshare argued that Murray should be considered the favorite to win the U.S. Open, and if he won it, he would be No. 1 in "all but name only." Eccleshare wrote: "How far-fetched that would have seemed when Djokovic swatted Murray aside to lift the French Open in June and claim his fourth straight major."

Just three months ago, Djokovic seemed unstoppable. But after early exits at Wimbledon and the Olympics, Djokovic is back to being a mere mortal and Murray is the player conquering all foes. 

Still, Murray hasn't beaten Djokovic in a Grand Slam in three years. His detractors often point to his weak record against other members of the Big Four (Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal). 

It's not as if Murray tries to avoid them. Federer and Djokovic were in the field in Wimbledon. Nadal and Djokovic were in the draw in Rio. 

Murray did take down Djokovic on clay, in Rome, something he had never done prior to this year. 

After his win in Rio, Murray's mother, Judy, told Sky Sports News: "Yeah, it's been a tremendous year. I think he's in the best form that he's ever been in and he's having lots of success."

So what has Murray hitting his stride in 2016? Perhaps it's the reunion with coach Ivan Lendl. Murray split with coach Amelie Mauresmo just before the French Open and rehired Ivan Lendl. Murray's won all three of his Grand Slam titles and both Olympic gold medals under Lendl. 

Lendl was at the helm when Murray reached the finals at Wimbledon in 2012. A heart-breaking loss to Federer left Murray weeping on Centre Court. Later that year, Murray would go on to win the 2012 Olympics on that same Centre Court and the U.S. Open, his first Grand Slam title.

Until this year, 2012 was Murray's best season. The historic and provincial impact of reaching a Wimbledon final for the first time and winning the gold at the All England Club drew more fanfare and media hype than Murray's getting now.

Also, Djokovic's attempts to win the calendar Grand Slam have overshadowed Murray's success this season.

The second Olympic gold medal has British news outlets all abuzz about whether Murray would be among the list of those in the New Year Honours list for knighthood next year. 

Two Wimbledon titles, gold medals and a history-making Davis Cup victory make for a strong case for a knighthood. A win at the U.S. Open, a fourth Grand Slam title, might seal the deal.  

  

Follow Merlisa on Twitter @merlisa