Andy Murray pulled off a 6-3, 6-3 upset of Novak Djokovic to capture the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Sunday evening. Murray held all nine of his service games, saving three break points in the process, to prevail after one hour and 35 minutes.
The third-ranked Scot applied serious pressure right from the start. He held at love to begin the match, pushed Djokovic to four deuces despite failing to break in the second game, held at love again for 2-1, and took control by breaking for a 3-1 advantage. A break in the fifth game of the second set gave Murray a stranglehold on the proceedings.
At one point Djokovic wanted play to be delayed due to rain, but–unlike in the preceding doubles final–there were no stoppages.
“I didn’t see any reason why we couldn’t stop the game for a little bit until we get the court in a proper condition to play,” the world No. 1 commented. “We played on a very heavy court because it was raining for an hour and it was very muddy behind the baseline. In three games I literally could have twisted my ankle two or three times. To me it’s also ridiculous that the chair umpire, who doesn’t wear tennis shoes and wears the casual shoes, comes out and just slides on the line and says, ‘okay, the court is good’ or not.
“These kind of matches are important for for both players. Obviously when you get to play a rival, and of course you want to win, sometimes you get too emotional.”
In five victories this week, Murray was 10-0 in total sets and did not even get extended to a single tiebreaker.
Murray converts championship point:
“Each time I go up against him, I know I have to play a great match to win,” Murray said of Djokovic. “I’ve had great preparation now going into the French Open. I have played against [Rafael Nadal} a couple of times (and) Novak a couple of times. You know, (I have) not won all of the matches but competed extremely well even in the ones I have lost.
“(I’m) going to Roland Garros with a lot of confidence. Over best of five (sets), as well, (it) takes a little bit more physical and mental strength. I feel like I’m on the right track, so hopefully I can have a good run there.”
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Honestly Murray is one of the favorites for RG imo. I would put Rafa and Nole ahead of him but still it’s possible he wins it.
Murray is in the conversation, but definitely behind Rafa and Novak. It’s worthwhile keeping in mind that Rafa is the only one of those three to win RG and he has the record of 9 titles.