While 2016 might have had its low points elsewhere, it has really been a remarkable 12 months for sport.
Leicester City won the Premier League for the first time, Cristiano Ronaldo finally got his hands on a major international trophy, the Chicago Cubs ended a huuuuuge wait for a trophy, and Team GB enjoyed an Olympic Games more impressive than anyone predicted.
But Andy Murray’s year might well have capped it all off.
The 29-year-old has had to contend with some of tennis’ all-time greats, but he has finally realised a career-long ambition of reaching the world number one spot.
And, as if that wasn’t enough, he has ended the year with victory at the prestigious ATP Tour Finals in London, seeing off his long-time rival Novak Djoković to boot.
An astonishing year for Andy Murray… pic.twitter.com/piTYqkqXdL
— Eurosport (@eurosport) November 20, 2016
Tennis fans rushed to congratulate the Scottish British star for his achievement, not just at the O2 but across the whole calendar year.
Andy Murray 2016:
2 GS finals, Wimbledon, first singles man to retain Olympic Gold, 24 successive wins, 9 ATP Tour titles, WORLD NUMBER 1.
— Liam Canning (@LiamPaulCanning) November 20, 2016
As a changing of the guard goes, that felt fairly emphatic. Wonderful stuff from Andy Murray. World No.1. Hard earned and fully deserved.
— Alex Mullane (@Mullane45) November 20, 2016
Though could he have been happier about it? Just kidding.
I feel like he's probably knackered…
— tom kennett (@tmknntt) November 20, 2016
The praise kept raining in for a man who will surely go down as a real great of the game.
https://twitter.com/Steakheed/status/800428554618081280
A privilege to watch Britain's greatest ever tennis player, and one of its best ever athletes. He still nets a lot, but what a man. #Murray
— Joe Curtis (@jccurtis1) November 20, 2016
And, of course, one aspect of his victory has elevated him from brilliance to true greatness.
Finishing in time for #PlanetEarth2 should really secure national treasure status for Andy Murray 👏👏👏
— Caroline Cheese (@CarolineCheese) November 20, 2016
Andy Murray winning 48 seconds before Planet Earth 2 starts. Seals the knighthood.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) November 20, 2016
Arise Sir Andy.
