Murray clinches Masters win after seeing off Djokovic
Monday, 04 Aug 2008 08:28
On current form, Andy Murray is one of the favourites for the US Open which starts on August 25th.
Andy Murray has sealed his first Masters series title after beating Novac Djokovic 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/5) to win in Cincinnati.
In his maiden Masters series final, Britain's number one continued his impressive form on the hard courts after sealing victory in about two and a half hours.
The first set was a tense affair with both players clinging onto their serves. In game five, Murray was unable to capitalise on his first break point after a long rally.
In the eventual tie-break, the Dunblane teenager cranked up the pressure with an ace and some blistering forehands to go 3-0 up.
World number three Djokovic then made two unforced errors to increase his deficit to 5-1. Murray set-up four set points, taking his second opportunity to clinch the set.
The second set was a more thrilling affair with Djokovic finally piercing Murray's serve in game three. Trailing 15-40, the Scot saved two break points with two stunning forehand passes.
Djokovic earned another break point which he was able to take for a 2-1 lead.
But that advantage was short-lived as Murray battled back with a break of his own. The Serb served a double fault to hand the teenager a break point, which Murray took to level.
Murray continued to dominate the rallies and was 15-30 ahead in game nine after forcing Djokovic into a poor volley. The Briton eventually earned a break point which he capitalised on to lead 5-4 and serve out for the title.
In a rollercoaster game, Murray saved a break point with a pinpoint serve. The 21-year-old then spurned four championship points before Djokovic added insult to injury by breaking to level.
In the eventual tie-break, Murray again made the brighter start and moved into a 4-3 lead.
And Murray clinched victory on his sixth championship point to finally end the challenge of the valiant Djokovic.