Unlike FIFA rankings, the tennis version actually bears some weight when it comes to assigning the draws for Grand Slam and ATP Tour events.

By coming back from a set down in the final of the Miami Masters last Sunday against David Ferrer, Murray has not only climbed to a career high ranking of world No 2 or the first time in three and a half years, but also shaken up the world of tennis – at least temporarily.

The fact that Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray now occupy the top two places in men’s tennis, means that neither one of Roger Federer or Rafa Nadal find themselves in the top two for the first time in almost decade.  

Murray’s ranking rise correlates to his much-improved consistency at the highest level of the sport and also confirms something that has been apparent in recent months – he can be truly considered on a par with the other members of tennis’ Top Four after joining the Grand Slam club last year.

But his rise to No 2 has a practical side. He will now avoid meeting any one of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer before the semi-finals of upcoming Grand Slam tournaments, particularly crucial as he enters the clay court season which by his own admission is his weakest surface.

According to his coach Ivan Lendl – the man credited with taking the Scottish star to the next level - the new ranking should allow him to get favourable seedings in upcoming Grand Slams which will give him a better chance of emerging victorious.

Significantly, Nadal has slipped down to fifth in the rankings behind Ferrer due to his injury nightmare and if he remains in that position before the French Open, Murray could avoid meeting any of the Top Four until the Rolland Garros final as he would likely to be placed in the other half of the draw.

But with the clay court season in full swing, Nadal is likely to clamber back into at least fourth spot in the ATP rankings before the French Open gets underway.