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Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic: The major battles

 

Paul Newman
Saturday 06 July 2013 01:33 BST
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2011 Australian Open final: Djokovic won 6-4, 6-2, 6-3

By some margin Murray’s worst performance in a Grand Slam final. While Djokovic played superbly, combining stonewall defence with exhilarating attack, Murray never looked at his best. He made too many mistakes, served poorly and did not come out of his shell often enough to show the aggression he needed to beat his long-time friend and rival.

2012 Australian Open semi-final: Djokovic won 6-3, 3-6, 6-7, 6-1, 7-5

Murray played superbly, only to lose what was then the longest match of his life after four hours and 50 minutes. A contest full of breath- taking rallies and astounding athleticism came down to a deciding set in which Murray fought back from 5-2 to level at 5-5 and then went within five points of victory when he had three break points for a 6-5 lead. Djokovic held on, however, and then broke Murray for the 11th time in the match to secure victory.

2012 Olympics semi-final: Murray won 7-5, 7-5

Murray and Djokovic staged another match of the highest quality as both men attacked from the start. Murray took the opening set with the first break of serve in the match and saved break points in four different games in the second set. When Djokovic served to stay in the match at 5-6 the Serb made some crucial mistakes and Murray converted his first match point with a fine backhand return of serve.

2012 US Open final: Murray won 7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2

After four defeats in finals, Murray finally achieved a lifetime’s ambition to end Britain’s 76-year wait for a male Grand Slam singles champion. Djokovic, having been outplayed in the first two sets, responded superbly to level the match, but Murray took immediate control of the decider, breaking twice to lead 3-0. Djokovic fought back to 3-2 but Murray held firm and eventually claimed victory after four hours and 54 minutes.

2013 Australian Open final: Djokovic won 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-2

The quality of the tennis was not as high as in some of their previous meetings, but the match was tight throughout, with the first break of serve arriving after nearly three hours. Djokovic’s recovery when serving at 0-40 in the second game of the second set was a turning point, as was a Murray double-fault at 2-2 in the ensuing tie-break, the Scot’s attention having been distracted by a floating white feather.

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