Amanda Anisimova lets emotions boil up, then rides them in Miami to snap Mirra Andreeva's hot streak

Give Murray credit. When he was in danger of missing out on the ATP World Tour Finals in London—a hometown event of sorts for the Scot—he did everything in power to make make the cut. He played six straight weeks in the fall and accomplished his goal, even if in so doing he killed his chances for success at the season-ending championships. But the good news for Murray is that he regained some credibility with his frantic autumn drive, reversing a slide that had him ranked as low as No. 12 for the first time since '08.

Murray spent the early part of the year recovering the form he lost following the back surgery he underwent the previous fall. Given his travails, Murray performed well at the majors, reaching three quarterfinals and a semi, even if his Wimbledon title defense was ruined by Grigor Dimitrov. By the time the ATP Finals were over—and despite his 6-0, 6-1 loss there to Roger Federer—Murray was well-positioned for 2015.

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Murray’s fall push was probably just what the doctor ordered in terms of getting him into fighting shape for 2015. With his surgery and first full year with coach Amelie Mauresmo behind him, a more relaxed Murray could have a good tournament Down Under. He’s always played well at the Australian Open, and that ought to provide him plenty of motivation for the new year.

The weakest link of the Big 4 needs to further improve his game to maintain such honorable status. If Murray posts mediocre results during the early hard-court segment, the wheels could fall off early.

Despite his success, Murray still seems like a player reluctant to play as positively and aggressively as he needs to challenge his main rivals, and there’s a fleet of young players out there who have the tools to quash the his coy, passive-aggressive game.

For more 2015 season previews, click here.