MIAMI, April 5, 2015
Novak Djokovic claimed his 22nd ATP Masters 1000 title winning the final of the Miami Open by Iatú on Sunday beating Andy Murray 7-6, 4-6, 6-0. The world number one has become the first player to complete the Indian Wells-Miami title sweep on three separate occasions.
Novak Djokovic holds a seven match winning streak against Andy Murray (photo: Miami Open)
Djokovic also extended his head to head lead over Murray to 18-8 although the Brit actually had the better start into the match, as he managed to be a break up twice but wasn’t able to confirm in the following. So it all changed at the tail end of the opening set when Djokovic made fewer unforced errors to gain the tie-break 7-3 after 67 minutes.
Murray, however, wasn’t done yet. The Scot finished an even second set in style with a great backhand return winner when he capitalized on his second break point in the frame.
Andy Murray won the second set (photo: Miami Open)
Djokovic was wide awake with the start of the final set gaining the early advantage with a break in the first as well as in the third game, which lasted nearly nine minutes. Murray began to look tired, making a lot of unforced errors and lost his service a third consecutive time. Djokovic eventually closed the match out sealing victory in two hours and 46 minutes.
“It’s tough, because it was obviously pretty brutal conditions out there. He was stronger than me at the end, for sure. My legs felt tired in the third set. Unfortunately I couldn’t keep the level,” Murray said. “I just have to try and keep working hard and see if there are a few things I can do differently, which might help.”
The old and new Miami Open champion was understandably more than happy. “It was another phenomenal year here in Miami, one of the greatest tournaments on the tour. I’m trying to enjoy the moment and also utilise this time of my career where I’m probably playing the tennis of my life, and I’m feeling confident and physically fit,” Djokovic said. “I’m trying to use that. That’s what I’m thinking about right now. I am aware that this cannot go forever. There is going to be eventually a change of generations, some players that are going to start playing better and be stronger.”
Novak Djokovic converted his first match point to take the title
Djokovic lifted his fifth Miami Open trophy (photo: Miami Open)
On Saturday, Bob and Mike Bryan captured their 105th team title winning 6-3, 1-6, 10-8 against Vasek Pospisil and Jack Sock. The US-Americans sealed victory in 68 minutes to claim their fourth Miami crown.
“It hasn’t been the greatest way to start the year, but to win here in Miami, a Masters 1000, a tournament we consider one of the biggest tournaments outside of the Slams against a team that’s been really hot and played us tough over the last year, it did really mean a lot,” Mike Bryan said after their second win against the US-American-Canadian-combination in their third meeting. The twins also claimed revenge after losing to Pospisil and Sock in the quarterfinals at Indian Wells.
The Bryan Brothers captured the doubles title (photo: Miami Open)
