Andy Murray became the 17th Yokozuna (= Grand Champion) of the open era today, by winning Wimbledon 2016 after reaching the finals at the French and Australian Open earlier in the year. Murray beat Milos Raonic in three sets, a former Sekiwake (= Junior Champion I) who will be promoted back to that rank after Wimbledon, but has "future Ozeki" (= Champion) written all over him. A series F-F-W is enough for a Yokozuna promotion provided a player has at least two grand slam titles overall. Murray becomes a Yokozuna after 21 tournaments - more than 5 years - at the second highest rank of Ozeki - an open era record. The previous record holder was Stefan Edberg, who became a Yokozuna after 19 tournaments as Ozeki.
With Murray, the fourth of the "big four" - Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray - has attained the highest career rank.
More later, including updated Sanyaku rank lists.
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