Were we simply being patriotically hopeful or was it a case of true delusion? Now it’s almost embarrassing to recall that little more than a year ago we British optimists were truly sincere when we wondered who would win the race to join Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in tennis’s very top echelon; Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray?

Whilst on Court Philippe Chatrier, French Open favourite Rafael Nadal was pounding his Murray’s conqueror Nicolas Almagro into Iberian submission in the most one-sided quarter final in open era history at Roland Garros, there was Djokovic on Court Suzanne Lenglen proving once again that his consistency and refusal to get caught up in needless trouble is an ability the British no.1 can still only dream of possessing.

Just a glance at Djokovic’s record since winning the Australian Open title earlier this year and a comparison with Murray’s ups and downs shows the differences between the pair. Djokovic may be a week younger but he simply does not lose matches he is either expected to win or allow apparent success erode into defeat. The same most certainly cannot be said for Murray.

What an exceptional pair of players these two young challengers to Federer are again proving themselves at a French Open where sunshine is a rare commodity. Yet if the rays are only briefly breaking through the rainy gloom, the tennis of Nadal and Djokovic is glowing in truly exceptional manner.

Almagro could hardly believe his good fortune as Murray let his momentum slip in Friday’s disappointment but things were so much different as Nadal pummelled him at every opportunity. The true mark of the Majorcan, aside from his wondrous strength and huge speed, is his relentless attitude. Only Jimmy Connors in previous generations has possessed a determination to give 125 per cent on every single rally and poor Almagro was frankly shocked at the barrage he took.

“Rafa starts playing, and his balls bounce up six metres high,” said the Spaniard. “These are things that I'm not used to on the tour. To have such heavy balls, such pace, such rhythm. If Rafa continues to play the way he plays it's just impossible.”

Djokovic may not quite have the same physical presence but his determination just seems to heighten with each tournament that passes.

Apart from that first round exit against Kevin Anderson in Miami and a second round loss in Marseilles during February, when he was still recovering from illness, there has not been any instance of under achievement in his record; semi-final in Dubai, title in Indian Wells, semi-final in Monte Carlo, title in Rome and another semi-final in Hamburg.

Compare that to Murray’s record and the difference is glaringly apparent. Djokovic might have got himself into trouble in his quarter-final against the highly talented Latvian Ernests Gulbis who was not intimidated by his opponent as they had practiced together on a daily basis in their formative years. Probably nobody is more aware of Djokovic’s strengths and weaknesses but even though Gulbis threatened in each set, ultimately it was the world no.3 who prevailed.

Why does he manage to keep things afloat when Murray repeatedly has to endure disappointments and subsequent criticism. Because he takes heed of advice from an extremely select band of confidantes, works diligently at his game and does not allow himself to get sidetracked into anger and disputes.

Most certainly neither young lion would have dreamt of releasing an autobiography entitled Hitting Back. They have far too much hitting forward to do in months and years to come and like most sensible players, maintain any life history is currently way too premature.

Nadal’s sole piece of self indulgence on his 22nd birthday was to wear a shirt specially designed by his clothing manufacturers Nike that depicted the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 with a line drawn through them.

Those titles are won, now 2008 lies waiting with Djokovic and apparently Federer his last remaining threats.

How we would crave Murray to also be in the mix but we all now know that it is folly to let the imagination run riot in such directions.