Sony Ericsson Open, Miami
Final latest:
A MURRAY (GB) v * N DJOKOVIC (Ser)
6-2 0-0
* denotes server
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606: DEBATE
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By Piers Newbery
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FIRST SET:
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Murray 6-2 Djokovic
Cheeky. Djokovic wins the first point and then plays two drop shots in a lengthy second point, but Murray puts the second away with a forehand. A backhand off the Murray frame gives Djokovic a glimmer of hope but the Serb goes long with a forehand for 30-30, and then dumps another in the bottom of the net. Set point number two.... and after a curious forehand slice approach Murray puts away an easy smash. Great stuff from the Scot, dodgy start for the Serb.
Murray 5-2 Djokovic
Djokovic tries to get out of his rut with another sortie to the net but after a decent approach his smash catches the tape and flies out. At 40-30, Djokovic leans into a backhand down the line and smashes it way over the baseline. Murray then forces a volleying error with an attempted backhand pass and it's set point.... but the Briton sends a return just long. A good forehand takes Djokovic to game point and he gets a killer net cord form a drop shot to seal the game. Bit lucky but he needed that.
Murray 5-1 Djokovic
Djokovic wins the opening point on the Murray serve with a move to the net but the Briton responds with a big serve, and then produces a Sampras/Tsongaesque slam-dunk smash. Not sure I've seen him do that before, at least not so extravagantly. Murray then comes up with a breathtaking backhand cross-court pass that Djokovic can only stand and applaud. It's another hold and Murray is in irresistible form right now.
Murray 4-1 Djokovic
Djokovic gets off the mark with a solid enough hold to 15 but he looks understandably downbeat. Meanwhile, BBC 5 Live's David Law is apparently dealing with an overly enthusiastic Djokovic fan in front of his commentary box. Maybe it's the heat.
Murray 4-0 Djokovic
Quick as a flash, Murray holds to love. Djokovic tries to get a point replayed but the umpire refuses. Not his day so far.
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1822: As if things weren't already going well from a British perspective, we now have live commentary on BBC 5 Live Sports Extra! Listen in through the link at the top right of this page, or on the tennis and front pages.
Murray 3-0 Djokovic
There is a little fist pump from Murray after Djokovic double-faults to go 15-30 down, and moments later the Serb has a shocker. Facing another break point he delivers a good serve out wide that prompts a high and wide return that is surely going out - but Djokovic drive-volleys it straight into the net. A perfect start from Murray, a nervous one from Djokovic.
Murray 2-0 Djokovic
A smooth ace opens things nicely for Murray and he then wins a great point, hooking a delicate mid-court forehand after an exchange at the net. Another ace seals a mightily impressive love-service game.
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Murray 1-0 Djokovic
Djokovic opens the serving and it's a cautious start from both men, neither giving it full power as they find their rhythm from the baseline. Two successive unforced errors see Djokovic fall 15-40 behind. He saves the first break point with a big serve and drive volley, but frames a forehand on the second and Murray gets the early break.
1809:
"I have to say that I think that it will go right to the wire but its impossible to say who will win. If I had to say I would go for Djokovic though."
From barneysfulham on 606
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1805: The players walk out into the glaring sunlight and it looks like another hot one in Florida. Djokovic struggled in the heat in Australia in January, while Murray admitted Miami's humidity had taken him by surprise earlier in the week.
1800: Evening all, and welcome to Miami... via Shepherds Bush. There are no worries over humidity, heat exhaustion, sunburn etc for us as we prepare to take in Britain's Andy Murray against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open.
A victory would give Murray arguably his most prestigious title, as Miami likes to style itself as the 'fifth Slam', although officially it stands alongside Cincinnati and Toronto, where Murray won last year, as a Masters 1000 event. Djokovic is going for his fifth Masters title.
Murray and Djokovic have met six times, with the Serbian winning the first four - including a humiliating 6-1 6-0 win here in Miami two years ago - but Murray took the last two on his way to those Masters titles last summer.
These two 21-year-olds are involved in a battle for the world number three ranking, but Djokovic made sure he will hold on to it for the time being when he beat Roger Federer in the semi-finals on Friday.
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