Rogers Cup 2016: Williams, Federer, Nadal withdraw - here's why that is a good idea

Andy Murray

Murray is fresh off a third Grand Slam title, his second at Wimbledon

Making the finals of every single Grand Slam this year, each time with consistently strong performances, Andy Murray has been in phenomenal form, not only seriously taxing Djokovic this year but beating him in a final of a Masters – the clay-court Rome Masters – despite Djokovic’s much stronger head-to-head record, and the fact that the Serb has been by far the more successful on clay.

Murray has consolidated enough points to cement his No. 2 ranking, and with his recent Grand Slam win coming on the back of a number of strong performances, a good period of rest will be vital to the Scot. Given he has not yet struggled with major injury, he would do best to give his body enough time to be at its optimal levels of fitness ahead of the Olympic Games.

He also sat out Great Britain’s Davis Cup ties for a break.

The defending singles champion after his home win in London in 2012, Murray has looked in form good enough to be able to trump Novak Djokovic in Rio.