Novak Djokovic Wins Madrid Title, Takes Sole Control of Tennis Masters 1000 History - UBITENNIS
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Novak Djokovic Wins Madrid Title, Takes Sole Control of Tennis Masters 1000 History

Where it all started 10 years ago, Novak Djokovic went full circle in his historic rivalry against Andy Murray. The Serb won a tight three-set 2-hour battle with the final score of 6-2 3-6 6-3 to conquer his second Madrid title and a record 29th ATP Masters 1000 title.

By Ivan Pasquariello
6 Min Read

Ten years after facing one another for the first time on the ATP World Tour in Madrid, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray went full circle meeting in the final of the tournament as World No.1 and No.2. In their 32nd career meeting, with Djokovic leading 22-9 in their rivalry, the match ended just like it did a decade ago: Djokovic won in three sets.

The Serb continued in his quest towards gaining tennis immortality, after becoming the first player to hold a total of 29 Masters 1000 title. After being tied with Nadal in this special chart for less than a month, the World No.1 conquered his 2nd Madrid title – the first coming in his golden year in 2011 – to sit alone on top of the greatest Masters 1000 champions of all time.

The match started with Murray appearing tight, knowing a flawless performance was needed to confirm his title in Madrid. Djokovic took advantage of a poor start from the Brit to break in the first game of the match. The World No.1 quickly built a 4-1 lead, breaking his opponent again in the 4th game as Murray hit a shot in the net. Soon after Novak closed the first set 6 games to 2, with a forehand cross court winner.

The first set stats:

Recovering from his poor performance in the first set, the 2013 Wimbledon champion showed major glimpses of the tennis that allowed him to take the crown in Madrid and which allowed him to beat Nadal in straight sets the day before. With the Brit more attentive, less prone to the miss, Djokovic was unable to dominate the court as he did in the first partial. The World No.1 was broken for the first time in the match and soon after lost the second set. Murray closed the set at 6-3 in 39 minutes.

The second set stats:

In the third set Djokovic got back to dominating the rallies, pushing Murray to miss first. The Serb broke in the second game of the set, with Murray serving his first service game of the third set, to take a 2-0 lead. Murray had a chance to break back in the third game, with Djokovic serving down 30-40. The Serb surprisingly surrendered to pressure, hitting a double fault to allow Murray back in the final set. The Brit made good use of the chance given, holding serve to 30 and setting the score tied at 2-2.

Djokovic saw another chance at 3-2, with Murray serving down 15-40 missing a forehand long. The Serb immediately stepped in, took control of the rally and won the game with a backhand down the line which hit the line. Murray cancelled the sign, inviting the chair umpire not to check if the ball had landed in. Djokovic got to a 4-2 lead, closing in on the match win.

Murray nervous, Djokovic continued to dominate with his first serve and pushing the ball deep on the court. Djokovic closed the 7th game with a forehand winner to lead 5-2 and be sure to have a chance to serve for the match and the title.

Murray faced the first match point at 2-5 30-40, but survived with an ace. Serving for the match at 5-3, Djokovic felt the nerves kicking in, allowing Murray with 3 chances to break serve. The Serb saved all three chance, the last seeing Murray hitting an easy forehand in the net. The Brit got another chance to break serve, but missed yet again, this time hitting a sliced defensive backhand long. Murray managed to take control of the following rally, getting another chance to break thanks to a forehand cross court winner. Murray went on to have 6 chances to break, but missed it all, as the game entered the 10-minute duration. As Andy missed a backhand in the net, Djokovic had another chance to close the match, the first on his serve. Djokovic missed his chance with a forehand in the net, but after saving a 7th break point had his third chance to close out the contest. Murray hit a forehand in the net, losing the match as Djokovic won with the final score of 6-2 3-6 6-3 after more than 2 hours of grueling battle.

The match stats:

Starting on next Monday, despite having the same ranking points as Roger Federer, Murray will surrender the 2nd spot to the Swiss.

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