Going into the Rio Olympics on the back of winning his second Wimbledon title, Andy Murray has now emerged as shock favourite to defend his gold medal. Fickle are the ways of the world of sport, and it's funny what one bad match can do. Even champions are not spared here. World No. 1 Novak Djokovic finds himself suddenly behind in the pecking order, despite holding all four majors just over a month ago.

The Olympics are now being touted as a straight shootout between Murray and his old foe Djokovic. Their rivalry dates back to when they were fresh faced teenagers, and the duo's battles in recent times have been nothing short of a treat. As for the game's biggest names, Roger Federer is seen as an ageing force, while Rafael Nadal still grapples with his persistent knee injuries. The Djokovic-Murray rivalry has steadily gathered steam. In contests between the two, the Serbian enjoys a terrific record, winning 24 to Murray's 10.

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Federer's withdrawal from Rio and the entire season may or may not open further avenues for Murray. Among the game's biggest champions – Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – Murray enjoys a slightly better record against the Swiss ace. He won his London 2012 gold medal against the 17-time Grand Slam winner too. En route to the final, Djokovic was humbled in the semis and, in hindsight, may well have instilled a new-found belief in the Briton.

A wounded Djokovic has already announced that he is raring to go in Rio de Janeiro. After his Wimbledon debacle, the 28-year-old is trying to bounce back to winning ways by participating in the Rogers Cup in Canada. Waving off the opportunity to rest before Rio, winner of 12 Grand Slams has sent a definitive signal of intent.

Two summers ago, conditions in Brazil sucked the life out some players in the football World Cup; fitness will be of paramount importance. There is also a small matter of the matches (apart from the final) being three-setters. That is exactly what led to Djokovic's downfall in the semis in the London event. In the French Open final, another Djokovic-Murray contest, the Scot flew off the blocks in the first set, only for his verve to taper off as the game progressed.

There's no ruling out Nadal either, unless he changes his mind about playing in the Singles. The Spaniard braved injury concerns to confirm his participation in the tournament. There are few parallels in the history of the sport of players who have managed to match the 2008 winner's grit and mental fortitude. However, rarely has the colossal Djokovic – going by his phenomenal 18 months preceding Wimbledon – floundered twice in as many major events. Murray's road to another Olympic gold will be far from easy.