Close menu

Novak Djokovic beats Andy Murray to win Shanghai Masters

Last updated on .From the section Tenniscomments203

News conference - Andy Murray

Andy Murray failed in his bid to make it a hat-trick of titles at the Shanghai Masters after losing a three-set thriller to Novak Djokovic.

In their first meeting since Murray's win in the US Open final, Djokovic triumphed 5-7 7-6 (13-11) 6-3.

Murray edged the first set, which had seven breaks of serve, with Djokovic reacting angrily by smashing a racket.

Djokovic saved five match points in the second set before taking the tie-break and breaking Murray twice in the third.

In a top-class match, the British world number three showed plenty of the form he displayed in beating world number one Roger Federer in Saturday's semi-finals but Djokovic - who had lost his last two matches against the Scot, at Flushing Meadows and in the Olympic semi-final at Wimbledon - threw everything at him.

The second set was packed with drama, with Murray breaking to lead 4-3 and serving for the match at 5-4. But having saved his first match point, Djokovic levelled the set and then saved four more in a tie-break lasting more than 20 minutes, sealing the set with a volley that led to fist-pumping celebrations.

With the momentum in his favour, Djokovic broke to go 4-3 up in the decider and broke Murray again in the ninth game when the Scot went long with a backhand.

It ended Murray's winning run in Shanghai and gave Djokovic his fifth title of the year.

"It was a thrilling match [and] very long," said the Serb. "Three and a half hours for best of three is quite long. But I have got used to it.

"Whenever I play Andy, I know it's going to be a gruelling fight with a lot of long rallies. It could have gone either way.

Murray is a danger - Djokovic

"I could not say I dominated the match because all three sets were very close and he had some match points. I could have easily been a runner-up today but I'm very proud of my fight."

Murray said he was disappointed but paid tribute to Djokovic.

"I've lost tougher matches than that before and I'm sure I will recover," he said. "But it was a top-quality match. Both of us played some unbelievable tennis at times.

"It was literally the difference of one, two centimetres [between] winning the match and losing it. You have to put things into perspective. It was obviously a bit frustrating but it was so close and could have been a different outcome.

"The third set, he played better than me. When I had my chances he served very well and hit the lines when he needed to.

"Most of our games have been tight, close matches but I feel like my game is there."

Comments

Join the conversation

These comments are now closed.

203 comments

  • Comment posted by 1974, at 15:34 14 Oct 2012

    Seems to be a turn around in the importance of Masters tournaments quite recently. When Murray was winning them, they were described as 'Mickey Mouse' and Murray only won because the other players were only bothered about slams.

    But now just lost a Masters, which is suddenly deemed important again - it's back to 'he choked'!

    @12 Take it you didn't see Djokovic do similiar at end of first set?

  • Comment posted by xenosys2005, at 17:42 14 Oct 2012

    83. parrranger
    4 MINUTES AGO

    "As suspected , Murray is a one hit wonder ..."

    He's won 8 of these before. He won't lose much sleep over this loss.

    Do these uneducated tennis delinquents just crawl out of the woodwork when Murray loses? I guess this is what happens when there's no football at the weekend.

  • Comment posted by User0050756367, at 15:43 14 Oct 2012

    Djokovic and Murray are certainly the worlds top 2. Andy Murray is going from strength to strength and its great to see. Not so great for the haters though as their libelous comments are getting more and more desperate hahaha. Well done muzza

  • Comment posted by User0584037517, at 15:46 14 Oct 2012

    Really think there comes a point where you the Beeb know fine well that people are putting on hate messages simply to stir and provoke others, and you should simply bin them!

    Another brilliant display Andy; as Djokovic acknowledged, there was a cigarette paper between them.

    For once, world class sportsmen actually earning their pay, after McIlroy "earns" a fortune for taking a holiday.

  • Comment posted by Bogchuff, at 16:41 14 Oct 2012

    @2 El chavo del 8 - I notice that too at the US Open, Nole was playing in a tornado, Murray, on the other hand, was playing in perfectly calm conditions. Oh, Hang on....
    @ 12. BBC_NEWS_LADIES_ARE_HOT Didn't you see Novak do exactly the same thing when he lost the first set, and WHY ARE YOU SHOUTING, DOES IT MAKE YOU FEEL BIG AND TOUGH OR CAN YOU JUST NOT WORK OUT HOW TO DISABLE CAPS LOCK ?

  • Comment posted by User0616284980, at 16:16 14 Oct 2012

    The trolls make me laugh. Murray loses he's a choker, but if Murray wins it's a mickey mouse tournament and the other guy wasn't trying.

    Deary me...

  • Comment posted by User0227704828, at 15:16 14 Oct 2012

    @2. Jeez dude, you are such a massive loser.

  • Comment posted by D1679091963418, at 15:40 14 Oct 2012

    What a bloody great match! There's barely a dull moment between these two, love watching them play each other.

  • Comment posted by User0591910325, at 16:03 14 Oct 2012

    Great match between two great players. With Nadal's knee problems, these two will dominate men's tennis for the next few years. Sometimes Murray will win sometimes Djokovich will win. There's so little to choose between them now Murray has stepped up.

  • Comment posted by User0523680615, at 15:23 14 Oct 2012

    Congratulations to Novak - what fantastic tennis and probably a taste of what is to come over the next couple of years. No shame in losing - Andy is going to be competing at the majors and has demonstrated that he is a winner. Novak still just ahead but in reality it will come down to who sustains the highest level and desire on the day irrespective of weather conditions.

  • Comment posted by User0138791583, at 16:47 14 Oct 2012

    The trolls are so transparent it's unbelievable. Before the match, the tournament didn't matter because Murray was in it. Now he's lost, all of a sudden it's a 'big one' that he couldn't get over the line on. It's a disappointment but after the season he's had I can't imagine he'll be shedding any tears. Jealousy is a painful thing to witness.

  • Comment posted by los_paolos, at 16:26 14 Oct 2012

    Of course Djokovic didn't care - he smashes rackets to pieces all the time, doesn't he? The US Open a fluke? Well, who can't fluke 7 consecutive 5 set matches. Clearly the Olympic Gold, other titles and consistent place in top 4 have been borderline miracles.

    Andy is a great player, so is Novak. Today Novak was better. Bring on the next battle. Well done both

  • Comment posted by JACKONE, at 16:07 14 Oct 2012

    A brilliant game of Tennis between probably the best 2 players in the World right now.

    Some serious points on offer to Murray in Paris and the O2 finals, and not defending that many points either. [only 180pts at Paris]

  • Comment posted by User0997669560, at 18:36 14 Oct 2012

    @83
    One hit wonder?
    He's won 24 titles, including 8 masters events and the Olympics to go along with his US Open title. Which of these is the 'one' hit you're referring to?

    Anyway I don't mind the CAPS LOCK thing. At least it means you can spot the trolls/imbeciles before wasting time reading their inane comments.

  • Comment posted by siquando, at 16:01 14 Oct 2012

    okay 35 i will bite,

    so when Novak smashed his racket in fury at not having served out a game when he was 40-0 up means he was joking does it? I know you only write such drivel to get a reply from people but seriously now Novak loves his job he shows it by smiling at the points he has enjoyed and played well. If he was not a serious winner and serious about winning he wouldn't be where he is now

  • Comment posted by User0042156635, at 17:06 14 Oct 2012

    @ 71

    The only way out of competing at the Masters is for medical reasons. ATP makes participation compulsory. These are the highest events on the circuit other than the 4 Grand Slams. There are 9 Masters events. Non-Grand Slams account for the bulk of their season. They have to enter to maintain their rank. You obviously know very little about the tennis tour and how it's organized.

  • Comment posted by User0595150532, at 15:10 14 Oct 2012

    Andy:
    Do not worry my man - you still got the big one.. US Open
    You are a legend.
    Safe trip back to Europe!

  • Comment posted by User0153298057, at 15:37 14 Oct 2012

    Jese spot the Murray haters here, not sure what there axe to grind is but boy are they grinding. @2 & 12, muppets. Murray is probably the best tennis player to come out of the UK ever and cetainley the best Scottish player ever, hope you people dont treat all our Olympic Gold medallists with such contempt.

    Oh and BTW @12 did you not see ND smash his racket as well

  • Comment posted by alan, at 19:15 14 Oct 2012

    I think you should all lay off El Chavo. He had a nasty experience with a Haggis when he was a child. He bought one when on holiday in Scotland thinking it was a pet. When he got home he took to school to show off his pet and all the children laughed at him. He has never liked Scottish people since. Come on let's all give the guy a break.

  • Comment posted by jimthree60, at 15:25 14 Oct 2012

    Pity Murray lost this match, but at least it was close. Nole and Murray now effectively the top two in the world at the moment. Looked from yesterday like Murray has the measure of Federer at least. Here's hoping that the next time these two meet Murray gets the better of a close match.

Top Stories