On the face of it there isn't much to separate Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic. Born exactly one week apart, the Scot is just one inch taller and one pound lighter. However, when money talks, Djokovic shouts the loudest.

He recently moved into a swanky Monte Carlo bachelor pad with the proceeds of a cool $3m banked in prize money this season.

This has been the Serbian's breakthrough year. He's won four Tour titles - including the Sony Ericsson Open and Rogers Cup, two of the big-money events on the Masters Series circuit.

He has also reached his first grand-slam final, going down in three sets to Roger Federer at the US Open at Flushing Meadows in New York.

In contrast, his close friend Murray has seen his hopes - soaring after he retained the SAP Open title in San Jose in February - punctuated and deflated by injury and the loss of confidence that stemmed from it.

However, Djokovic - who starts next week's Mutua Madrilena Masters ranked third in the world - is backing his occasional doubles partner to narrow the gap soon in prize money and titles.

The pair have been friends since the Scot won their first-ever meeting, in an under-12 tournament in France nine years ago.

In the likely long-term absence of a world-class British contemporary, Djokovic represents the best hope there is to spur on Murray with some old-fashioned friendly rivalry.

"We'll always be good friends first and rivals second," he said. "We've supported each other throughout our careers and he's great company.

"He hasn't changed much, although he's got a bit taller. He still plays the same type of game that he did when we first played as 11 year olds.

"He's a smart and tough tennis player who doesn't make many mistakes. I've got the better of him recently but I won't forever.

"He's had a frustrating year with injuries but started the season well, and it looked like it could be his year.

"He will have hated being injured and will want to make up for lost time."

Murray claims he's been inspired by Djokovic's success. Although he may have edged their encounters as juniors, he's never beaten his friend on the senior circuit.

Their first meeting, in Madrid 12 months ago, started well for Murray, who claimed the first set at a canter. But Djokovic stormed back and hasn't dropped a set to his rival since, closing out double-quick victories in this season's Indian Wells and Miami Masters.

In fact, Murray has won just six games in their last two matches and was on the wrong end of a 6-1, 6-0 humbling in their last meeting.

"That was the worst match I've played since I've been on the Tour," he admitted afterwards.

It's no surprise that Djokovic has emerged as the player most likely to challenge the duopoly of Federer and Rafael Nadal at the summit of the South African Airways world rankings.

He's already secured his place in November's Masters Cup in Shanghai, where the world's top eight will battle it out for the small matter of nearly $4m.

The forthcoming Masters events in Madrid and Paris will finalise the five remaining places, with Murray needing to produce a series of career-best performances to climb the 11 daunting places required to secure his spot.

"You look at younger players emerging and it's an exciting time," adds Djokovic.

"Federer and Nadal are setting the standard but the younger generation are coming though fast.

"I've proved this year that we've nothing to fear and these guys can be beaten. The new generation provides something different - they've got quality and charisma.

"Players like Andy are temperamental and emotional and that will only attract the public to the game."

Federer's shadow may continue to loom large over the sport but Nadal has loosened his grip and Djokovic is safely installed as the best of the rest.

Murray might have beaten his friend to defeat Federer - at last year's Cincinnati Masters - but Djokovic's victory in Montreal was impressive.

"I managed to do something which not many players did in the history of the tennis - I won against Roger in a tough match," he said.

"I won two tie-breaks and that makes my success even bigger. It gave me the confidence to start tournaments believing I'm one of the favourites."

Beating Federer once and beating Federer regularly remain sporting achievements that are poles apart. Matches against him are becoming a little easier but he's one of the best players ever, so he always starts with an advantage," added Djokovic.

"What amazes me is how he deals with the pressure. People expect him to win every tournament but that doesn't faze him.

"However, he's also got the advantage of experience. He's six years older than me, I'm still watching and learning."

  • Watch The latest ATP Masters Series action at the Mutua MadrilenaMasters Madrid on SKY Sports Xtra from tomorrow.