Andy Murray says his best chance of becoming world number one will come next year and not in Paris this week.

The Scot has the chance to leapfrog Novak Djokovic in the rankings if he wins the Paris Masters and his rival fails to reach the final, or if the Serbian exits the tournament before the last four and Murray reaches the final.

Murray said while it was possible to finish 2016 on a high, a more realistic opportunity to take the number one spot would present itself at the start of next year.

"It's in [Djokovic's] hands," he said. "I obviously can't control the matches on his side of the draw.

"I just focus on my side and do as best as I can here. Even if I win every match this week it still doesn't guarantee anything.

"I could also lose in the first round and Novak could win the tournament and then there's a huge gap again."

Murray, who begins his quest to win the Paris Masters against Fernando Verdasco on Wednesday, added: "I wasn't focusing on trying to finish this year and number one. I think in the early part of next year is a better chance for me.

"In February I didn't play and in March I only won a couple of matches at Indian Wells and in Miami so I don't have any points to defend around that time.

"It's more likely for me to have a chance of doing it then rather than right now".

Video courtesy of ATP