MIAMI — World No. 1 Novak Djokovic heads into the European clay court season in ominous form after his victory over Andy Murray in the final of the Miami Open Sunday. Djokovic looks in such command of his game and his opponents that there is already the feeling he could enjoy a similar year to his remarkable 2011, where he won 41 straight matches and claimed three of the grand slam titles.
The Serb, who won at both Indian Wells and the Australian Open, was asked after Sunday's victory if he felt that kind of streak was on the horizon. While he was careful not to make bold forecasts, his response revealed his confidence.
“I hope so, but it's just the beginning. I don't want to predict anything. I don't want to put some additional unnecessary pressure on myself,” he said. “There is already a lot of expectations of course. Everywhere I go I have to deal with it.”
But he is enjoying the moment.
World No. 1 Djokovic continued his impressive run of form, winning the Miami Open over Andy Murray 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-0 at Key Biscayne Sunday.
The victory followed Djokovic's triumphs at the Australian Open and Indian Wells and was the Serb's fifth title at Miami.
He has now beaten Murray in 10 straight matches on hard courts and has an 18-8 overall record against the Scot.
The contest, played in the early afternoon heat and bright sunshine, was captivating for two sets but after Djokovic broke in the first game of the final set, he never looked back.
“It was brutal. Very warm. I was prepared for a physical battle but it's one thing to prepare and another thing to experience it on court,” said Djokovic.
Murray started aggressively and broke Djokovic in the third game, but the Serb broke back straight away and then dominated the tie-break.
The second set produced some wonderful tennis from both players but turned in Murray's favor when, at 5-4 up, he broke Djokovic to love.
Following up on a brilliant return of an overhead shot from Djokovic that took him to break point, Murray sealed the set with a superb cross-court backhand winner.
Djokovic lost his cool, picking up a code violation for his yelling at the end of the set that left a nearby ball boy looking shaken.
But the Serb quickly turned his anger to his advantage. He broke Murray in the first game of the third set, the Scot twice dragging the ball into the net on the final two points to hand Djokovic an edge he was in no mood to let slip away.
The third game of the set was a grueling contest with Djokovic eventually triumphing when he converted his sixth break point and a drained Murray faded badly.
Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza won the title in women's doubles by defeating Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina 7-5, 6-1. — Agencies
