I’m not this year’s best player, says Murray

Andy Murray may have captured the US Open and Olympic titles, but he insisted today that Roger Federer and vanquished New York rival Novak Djokovic remain the standout players of 2012.

The 25-year-old Murray defeated world number two and defending champion Djokovic 7-6 (12/10), 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2 in an epic US Open final to become his nation’s first men’s major winner since Fred Perry in 1936.

Twenty-nine of the previous 30 majors had been won by either Federer, Djokovic or Rafael Nadal — the three men who also divided up the year’s other three Grand Slam titles between them.

“I don’t think I have had the best year on the tour, no. I think the last few months have been great for me, but there is more to the tennis tour than just the Grand Slams,” said Murray, who was also Britain’s first Wimbledon finalist since Bunny Austin in 1938.

“Novak has played great tennis in most of the Masters Series, as well. Roger has got himself back to No. 1. I think it is important to remember the tennis season starts in January, finishes in November.

“There are four Slams, but there are also many other tournaments to get to No. 1 in the world. I think if you’re No. 1 you deserve to be the player of the year. I would say Novak or Roger would be the best players this year.”

Federer won a 17th Grand Slam title this summer with a seventh Wimbledon to match the mark of Pete Sampras.