In the final, Wawrinka will take on the winner of the semifinal match between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray which has yet to be decided as it was suspended on Friday evening because of rain. At the end of the day’s play, Djokovic was leading with 6-3 6-3 5-7 3-3. Diego Sampaolo
This was the next big highly anticipated matchup of the tournament as both Djokovic and Murray are undefeated this European clay court season each with two titles and 15-0. Despite their stellar season, it is Djokovic who is the clear favourite as he is having an improbable season as well as defeated the undisputed “King of Clay” Rafael Nadal, in straight sets on Wednesday.
Both players started off tentatively though they remained on serve through the first 7 games of the match. Djokovic needed 7 minutes to win his first game as it even featured a 22-shot rally on one point. Even Murray’s first service game had a deuce scoreline but he held serve after Djokovic made a forehand error. Murray was able to save an early break point but in the 8th game to level the set at 4-4, he had a lapse in concentration which allowed Djokovic to earn three break points. Djokovic did not waste any of them this time and converted for 5-3. He then served out the set 6-3 after 44 minutes.
Djokovic broke serve for 3-2 after Murray made a backhand error at 30-40 in the 2nd set. Murray narrowly avoided going down the double break in the 7th game for 4-3 but serving down 3-5 to stay in the set, he lost his concentration again and was broken with a forehand error. Djokovic won the set 6-3 and now in the ascendancy up 2-0 sets in 86 minutes without facing a single break point.
In the 3rd set, the entire tenure of the match changed. Djokovic brought up a double break point as Murray was serving at 2-3 but Murray held his serve after a forehand error from Djokovic. Murray hit two aces to draw level at 5-5 with a game to love. The Scotsman decided to get the crowd into the match and finally earned himself his first break points of the entire match with his forehand. He then converted to go up 6-5. He closed out the 3rd set at love at 7-5.
Djokovic held his first serve for 1-0 before earning three break points on the Murray serve. However, he failed to convert any of them as Murray won nine consecutive points and fought back from 0-40 to hold serve for 1-1 with an ace and a forehand wide from Djokovic. Murray brought up three break points and converted for 2-1. Djokovic not about to let the match be wrest out of his control, broke back immediately for 2-2 as Murray dumped an easy smash into the net. After this 2 more games were played as both players held serve for 3-3. At this point, the tournament officials decided it best that the match be suspended as both poor lighting and a looming storm threatened play. The match will resume tomorrow before the ladies final.
