Andy Murray is already primed to become the face of London 2009. When the Barclays World Tour Finals - as the Masters Cup is to be renamed - are held at the 02 Arena next November, it is widely expected that the British No1 will have hardened his standing in the game and that he may have a grand-slam title to his name. Murray will be 22, perhaps still a year or so from his best, but his make-up will not have altered. The rest of the sport will be fearful of him.

A year or so ago, one recalls writing that Roger Federer was more apprehensive about playing Murray than any other player and the rebukes arrived by the text-load. Not any more, they would not.

“I have no regrets about playing him [Federer],” Murray said when it was suggested again that straining every fibre in his final group match at the Masters Cup on one evening drained his body of the resources necessary the next, when Nikolay Davydenko, of Russia, devoured him on Saturday in two semi-final sets. Murray had already qualified for the last four before facing Federer. “I'm proud that I gave 110 per cent when other players might not have taken that option,” he said.

Murray finishes the year at No4 in the world, a position upon which he will probably not improve in statistical terms until March at the earliest. But statistics are only half the story, if that. What matters is that he has the attitude, the physical presence and, most important of all, the game to stand shoulder to shoulder with the world's finest. When he says “other players might not have taken that option”, it resonates because he knows it to be true.

Murray has spent the past 12 months laying markers - a first grand-slam final, the first of two Masters Series titles and three other tournament triumphs, the most impressive of which came in St Petersburg. Among those to have been deeply impressed by Murray's progress has been Miles Maclagan, who has been coaching the Scot for 11 months.

Maclagan had been working with Kevin Ullyett, but his fellow Zimbabwean felt that their partnership had run its course and Maclagan rang Patricio Apey, Murray's manager, asking if he knew of anyone who might need a coach. As Murray had just dismissed Brad Gilbert, an opportunity presented itself that Maclagan had not contemplated. They have forged an excellent partnership, more older and younger brother than coach and protégé.

“I thought a lot of Andy when we started and my respect for him has grown over the year, especially in the last few months,” Maclagan said. “To see it from the inside has been incredible. It's not just on the tennis court that he's competitive, it's in everything. After Madrid he was tired, but he showed it in a different way in St Petersburg. It wasn't the biggest of tournaments, but he just couldn't stop himself from fighting and winning.

“I've been fortunate working with Andy to see more of Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal] and they have an unconditional competitive streak. Even Roger, who is very gracious and beautiful to watch, has so much steel. To witness that close up is when you realise that unyielding competitiveness is the overriding characteristic of these top guys.

“From some of the tennis I had seen Andy play before, I thought he was possibly one of the five best, but if you had said he was going to win two Masters and reach the final of a slam, I'd have bitten your hand off.”

Maclagan is neither a chest thumper nor a seeker of the limelight. When Murray turns to his box, if he sees Maclagan applauding, it is about as demonstrative as the coach becomes. But he works tremendously hard and expects that of anyone who wants him in their corner.

When Team Murray return to the Florida training camp where their camaraderie was in its infancy a year ago, it will be, in Maclagan's word, “torture.” He said: “The big focus is going to be physical, because this is the guy's chance to fill up the tanks in terms of strength and endurance. Game-wise, I look on it a bit differently. You are working on stuff throughout the year.

“I don't think there are any problem areas. Obviously every good player would like to make more first serves and do a bit more on the return, but I don't see any problem areas in his game. It's just a question of taking everything to maybe half a level or a level better.

“He's found his game style. I think he's pretty clear on that. It was partly me learning how he should play - and him. There were a few matches early on when he didn't come off feeling that great, but ever since Hamburg he's really built a lot of momentum. After every single match, whether he's won or lost, he's come off the court and we've said: 'We're going forward.'”

And so they are, onwards and upwards. Where it all ends, who can tell, except that the ride is going to be great fun.