By Niall Clarke
- Andy Murray defeats Novak Djokovic to claim the Rogers Cup
- It was the Brit’s first victory over the Serb in nine attempts
- Murray dedicated his win to Amelie Mauresmo
Montreal, Canada- Andy Murray ended an eight match losing streak to Novak Djokovic as he claimed the Rogers Cup title in Montreal.
The Brit had not beaten the world number one since the Wimbledon 2013 final, but on this occasion he came out on top 6-4 4-6 6-3 victory in three hours. This was Murray’s fourth title of the year and second masters title after winning the Madrid Open in May.
The players exchanged the first two sets taking us to a dramatic decider. The Scot would earn an early break, and held serve until 3-1. In a long and pivotal game that featured 10 deuces and lasted 18 minutes, Murray saved six break points to hold serve and extend his lead to 4-1.
Djokovic fended off match points on serve at 5-2 to force the Brit to serve the match out. It proved to be difficult for Murray as the world number one fought back to earn 15-40. However a determined Murray saved the break points and successfully served the match out to take home the Rogers cup.
The British number one’s success this week has meant that he will over-take Roger Federer in the rankings for the number two spot. That could mean a second seed for the US Open, which will see Murray avoid Djokovic until the final. The 28 year old has also confirmed his place in the season ending World Tour Finals at the O2 in November.
Murray dedicated his triumph to Amelie Mauresmo, who gave birth to a baby boy on Sunday.
“I’m not sure she will have stayed up to watch this one but, Amelie, this one’s for you,” said Murray in his post match on court interview.
After a long and absorbing final in Montreal, Murray will now have his sights set on Cincinnati next week before heading to New York for the US Open.
“Things can better very quickly and they can get worse very quickly in sport,” Murray told Sky Sports.
“It’s important for me to analyse this week and work on areas to improve on before the US Open starts.
“I need to make sure I recover well from this and get ready and hopefully play a good tournament in Cincinnati. This match will be good physically and mentally for the build-up for sure.”
In the second Masters Series tournament in as many weeks, the world number two has been drawn in the same half as Federer, with US Open champion Marin Cilic the projected quarter final opponent. Murray will kick off his tournament in the second round due to a BYE, and will face the winner of the Viktor Troicki vs Mardy Fish opener.
You can follow Murray’s progress in Cincinnati on BritwatchSports and via our live scoring service: Live Scores
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