PARIS: Andy Murray, 29, will hold the coveted No. 1 spot for the first time and will become the oldest first timer to claim the top spot after John Newcombe, when the ATP rankings are published Monday after advancing to the Paris Masters final without playing a single point.
Murray benefited from Milos Raonic's withdrawal from the tournament, just one hour before the big-serving Canadian was scheduled to take on the 29-year-old Briton in the semifinals on Saturday.
Raonic said he withdrew because of a right leg injury.
Murray, who always played catch up the game with Novak Djokovic only needed to make the final in Paris to take top spot off Novak Djokovic. Murray will hold a five-point lead over Djokovic, who lost in the quarterfinals in Paris.
Murray faces American John Isner in the final.