NOVAK DJOKOVIC saved five match points in the second set before outlasting two-time defending champion Andy Murray 5-7, 7-6 (11), 6-3 Sunday in the Shanghai Masters final.
In another entertaining battle between the two USA
Open finalists, Djokovic seemed headed for defeat when Murray for the match at 5-4 in the second set, but served one match point in that game before breaking back for 5-5. He four more in a tense tie-break in the decisive set of stored and transported his momentum, breaking the Briton twice to earn his fifth title of the year.
"I won the match," said Djokovic. "But, you know, as spectators could see, we were very close. It was a very even match throughout the three sets. He was so close to the victory that I can't say I was the better player. " It was Murray's first loss in 13 matches in Shanghai.
Murray, who Djokovic in five sets in Flushing Meadows for his first Grand Slam title, saved two match points in the final, but sent a backhand long on the third.
"It was disappointing to lose," said Murray. "I've lost tougher matches than before in the biggest events. So I am sure I will recover from it pretty well.
"It's not like I threw the game. I didn't make, I don't think, real glaring mistakes or something ". In a matchup of two of the best returners in the game both players struggled to hold serve early, trading breaks three times en route to 4-4 in the first set.
When Djokovic broken for the fourth time in the 11th game, he lost his cool and smashed his racket by smashing into the ground four times before the outraged throwing to his sideline Chair.
"We are people in the end," said Djokovic about losing his patience. "We are professional tennis players and we great rivals, but in the end we are human. We should not be ashamed of our emotions. I don't see anything bad to show your emotions รณ positive, negative emotions. We can simply not flat-faced during the whole match. " But the momentum seemed to shift with an audacious shot from the second-ranked Serb, just as Murray thought he was closing in on his third straight title at the tournament.
With a 5-4 and 30-0 in the second set, Djokovic chased down a lob from Murray and hit a perfect shot between the legs to return the ball, then followed it up with a drop-shot to win the point. He went on to save Murray's first match point with a forehand, and broke back when the Briton a forehand missed its own two points later.
In the 20 minutes he finally prevailed when Djokovic his fourth tie-break point of the set converted with a forehand winner.
Murray could not recover, and Djokovic broke for a 4-3 lead for winning the next two games and to wrap up the win.
Djokovic also Murray to beat in five sets in the Australian Open semifinals this year, and his record against the Briton improved to 9-7.
Post a Comment
Post a Comment