For someone who still travels on the underground when he is in London, doesn't have a racket contract, and is forever being asked whether he is jealous of his brother, Monday's confirmation that Jamie Murray is the new doubles world No. 1 is quite an elevation.
The updated ranking list showed the progress made by a player whose career was spiralling just a few years ago and, having become the first in his family to win a Wimbledon title [the mixed trophy in 2007 with Serbia's Jelena Jankovic], he has also beaten brother Andy to the sought-after status of world's best.
But Australian Mark Woodforde, who knows more than most about sustained success on the doubles scene, claimed the older of the Murray siblings must now apply himself like never before.
"Anytime you reach the No.1 ranking, whether it be singles or doubles, it's a big deal. It's a great accomplishment -- all the hard work and perseverance has paid off," said Woodforde, who was one half of 'The Woodies' with Todd Woodbridge. "For Jamie, it's a piece of history in a world in which his brother has much of the spotlight.
"Jamie doesn't shy away from working hard, but now the task ahead is to keep lifting his level, his standard of play. He's a target now and most doubles players will revel in beating him."
Bob and Mike Bryan's coach, David Macpherson, predicted that Murray's work ethic will strengthen now he is No.1.
"In a way, becoming No.1 helps you to work even harder as it's such a great feeling, and you feel inspired and energised by that," the Australian told ESPN. "Over the last few years, Jamie has worked hard at his game, and he has really developed as a player. He has had some incredible wins in big matches. He's done an amazing job the last few years.
"Every part of his game has improved but his serving has got a lot more accurate and reliable. His returning has improved immensely. There have been improvements across the board."
According to Woodforde, Murray now has the mental approach needed to score multiple Grand Slam titles, having won his first at this year's Australian Open in partnership with Brazilian Bruno Soares; the Briton's chances of realising his ambition of claiming a first Wimbledon men's doubles title seem much greater this summer.
"The prospect of Jamie adding to his tally of slams is tangible," said Woodforde. "He now understands the emotions and nerves that infiltrate one mind's when playing a slam final, having lost two major finals last year at Wimbledon and the US Open [with Australian John Peers]. I think that helped him win the Australian Open this year as he knew how to control himself.
"Reaching those slam finals last year showed Jamie that he belonged contending for the majors. Then Britain's success in the Davis Cup last year, and Jamie winning matches under an intense spotlight, has given him extra confidence when it comes to the big occasion.
"He also has a positive attitude and he studies opponents. And in Soares, Jamie has paired with a player whose game blends well with his."
To Woodforde's mind, there is much to admire about Murray's attacking game. "Jamie is sharp around the net. He is aware he shouldn't be spending too much time hitting groundstrokes on the baseline and understands, with the scoring system in place on the ATP Tour, it will come down to a few key points here and there."
For Macpherson, one of the most appealing aspects of Murray's rise is that he plays an old-school game. "It's obviously a great story that Andy Murray's brother has come up so big in doubles," said Macpherson. "And Jamie's an interesting guy, and he plays an attractive type of tennis.
"He plays differently to most of the players today. Even without his brother Andy, this is an interesting story as Jamie has skills that hardly anyone has. He has beautiful touch, he has a nice lob, uses dinks and gets to net. Jamie plays a kind of old-school tennis, which people love to see."