Friday, March 2, 2012

Murray beats Djokovic, plays Federer in Dubai final

Murray beats Djokovic, plays Federer in Dubai final

Novak Djokovic lost 6-2 7-5 to Andy Murray in the semi-finals of the Dubai Championships.

Murray will face Roger Federer in Saturday’s final after the Swiss edged past Juan Martin Del Potro 7-6 7-6.

“The first set I served well very well and was aggressive when I had my chances,” Murray said.

“Then at the beginning of the second Novak started trying to go for more shots.

“This is why the match in Australia was so important, because the last couple times we played each other, I think I made it incredibly hard for him. I fought for every single point and made it really, really tough.

“In the second set he started going for more and making mistakes because of that, because it’s tough to always grind out matches.”

Djokovic started strongly, holding his opening two service games to love but from 2-2 a pumped-up Murray then won seven games in a row to claim the first set and go 3-0 up in the second on a balmy evening in Dubai.

Murray served for the match at 5-3 and nerves got the better of the Scott, double-faulting as Djokovic earned two break points.

A netted backhand from the Briton then enabled Djokovic to pull it back to 5-4 and the set appeared to be heading for a tiebreak. However, Murray roused himself to break again and seal victory after the Serb clubbed a forehand into the net.