NovakDjokovic, the world number one, defeated Britain’s number one, Andy Murray, ina brutal three-set final in Miami. Djokovic came through the heat to win7-6 (7-3), 4-6, 6-0, and collect his fifth title at Crandon Park. He became the first man to win back-to-backat Indian Wells and Miami for the third time in his career.
The 27year-old Serb now takes his head-to-head record with Murray to 18-8; this ishis seven win in a row against the Scot. This is also his 51st ATPTour title, and the 22nd Masters’ title - just one behind Federer’stotal of Masters’ titles and five behind Nadal.
Murray lastsuffered a loss to Djokovic at Indian Wells a fortnight ago and was now lookingready for the Serb; he was determined to play more aggressively and attackDjokovic on the return of his serve. TheScot twice led by a break in the first set, but saw leads disappear, as the setwent into a tie-breaker, which Djokovic winning comfortably 7-3.
Theencounter became really punishing in the second set, as Djokovic and Murray bothshowed signs of irritation. It wasfinally 6-4 to Murray; the Scot looked to have been inspired against a playerso ruthless at closing out matched.
Nevertheless,Djokovic took firm control, when the play resumed again, and then broke a tiredlooking Murray in the first game of the third set.
It was all one way trafficthereafter; the Serb managed the double break, to make it 3-0 in the final set;before the finished off the Brit with a “bagel” scoreline 6 -0, as he did inthe Australian Open Final.
The match approached three hours and, no doubt, bothDjokovic and Murray will need a good break before the clay court season startsin Europe.
The future is looking goodfor both players: Djokovic now tiedRafael Nadal’s total of 141 weeks at world number one, and his record for 2015 looksgood, as he won 25 matches and lost only two. Murray moved up from fourth to third in the world rankings, havingreached the Miami final; the Scot is also getting married to Kim Sears thisSaturday.
