Former British number one Tim Henman believes Andy Murray's achievements should inspire the next generation to play tennis.
Murray secured the year-end world number one ranking and capped the finest season of his career by beating Novak Djokovic 6-3 6-4 to claim his first ATP World Tour Finals title at the O2 Arena in London.
The Scot earlier this year won a second Wimbledon crown and retained his Olympic title, and Henman has urged the Lawn Tennis Association to make sure Britain builds on his success.
"It's imperative of the LTA and the game of tennis in this country that they capitalise on it," the 42-year-old said on BBC Two. "They have an unbelievable role model.
"It's been such a journey. He's overcome so many hurdles but this has to inspire the next generation to play the game and produce better players going forward.
"It defies logic, it really does. Every time there's a challenge put in front of this man, he finds a way to get over it. Djokovic is one of the best players to play this game, is in good form. At the end of such long week, a long year, Murray has found a way to get over the line. All credit to him.
"When you reflect on this week, how much time he's been on the court and how much he's battled, the previous six months and the whole year, it's just amazing to find that one last push against one of the greatest players of all time and find a way to not only win this tournament but to finish the year as world number one. It is an incredible achievement.
"When you look at this generation and you bring (Roger) Federer and (Rafael) Nadal into the conversation, they're unbelievable ambassadors for our sport, they have huge respect for each other and, let's face it, Djokovic has won 12 grand slams, he's won the year-ending Tour Finals five occasions but this is Andy Murray's moment, and he thoroughly deserved it."
After a gruelling three-hour-and-38-minute semi-final win over Milos Raonic on Saturday, many questioned whether Murray could recover in time for the Sunday's final.
And Greg Rusedski, another former British number one, was gobsmacked he managed it.
The 1997 US Open runner-up told Sky Sports 3: "I want to know from Murray, how he recovered from (Saturday) because that was astonishing."
He continued: "It was all about his brilliance. He served well, he was aggressive. This is the best match Murray has played throughout this championship and that's why he is the number one player. Don't take anything away from him - he was the better man today - it wasn't Novak playing poorly.
"What a performance, what a result. incredible."
Andy Murray's victory capped a brilliant few days for the Murray brothers, Jamie having earlier this week guaranteed the year-end doubles world number one team ranking alongside Bruno Soares.
Judy Murray posted a picture of her two sons on Twitter, captioned with the words 'Andy & Jamie Murray: Pride of Scotland, Kings of world tennis'.
Former world number one Roger Federer wrote: "Epic start to the year by @DjokerNole. Epic end to the year by @andy_murray, ending #1 ? Congrats guys"
British women's number one Johanna Konta was quick to congratulate her male counterpart, tweeting: " What a year @andy_murray!!!! So so happy for you and your team! Year end world #1"
And it was not just the tennis world keen to congratulate the Scot.
First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: "What a match, what a year, what a legend. Congratulations @andy_murray - world number 1 #ATPFinals"
Author JK Rowling posted: "I'd almost forgotten what it's like when the person you really, really want to win, wins! @andy_murray"
Murray's fellow Olympic champion, golfer Justin Rose, tweeted: "Brilliant @andy_murray what a year." alongside emojis signalling some of his achievements, while Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez went for simply "congratulations Murray" to toast the Gunners fan's success.
Actor Sir Patrick Stewart wrote: " My man Murray - #1. @andy_murray Congratulations!"
Boxer David Haye tweeted: "What a year @andy_murray - incredible performance! Ending the year exactly where you deserve to be, World No 1! #ATPFinals #Murray"
Former England football captain Gary Lineker posted: "Don't mind admitting that I love @andy_murray . In a purely sporting sense, of course, but it is heartfelt."
Four-time Olympic rowing champion Sir Matthew Pinsent wrote: "Whilst 2016 has been terrible on many fronts - congrats @andy_murray. Alive, composed, proud Brit & Scot and utterly dominant."
And former Tottenham chairman Lord Sugar was one of many to call for Murray to join Pinsent in being knighted, tweeting: "Come on your majesty @andy_murray for a knighthood. World number one."
Source: PA
