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Djokovic doubles up with second Aussie crown


 

Originally published on: 30/01/11 12:19

Novak Djokovic claimed his second Grand Slam title at the Australian Open with a 6-4 6-2 6-3 triumph over Britain’s Andy Murray.

The Serb proved sublime in both attack and defence as he ended Murray’s latest hope of a major title in two hours and 39 minutes.

“He played a great match,” said the Scot, who appeared to handle his disappointment far better than he did in defeat to Roger Federer 12 months ago.

“He hardly missed any balls. It’s not like I was making a lot of mistakes.”

Murray did look a step off his best though and it took a while for him to begin going toe to toe with Djokovic from the baseline. In fact, it took 17 minutes just to get the first two games out of the way. Bar striking a first serve considerably long in the first game of the match, the Serb began the smoother, speeding through his opening service game while Murray then spent the majority of those 17 minutes toiling to hold.

The Scot wasn’t helped by his racket, which has been strung to suit hotter climes and wasnt entirely suited to the cooler-than-expected temperature inside Rod Laver Arena. Though temperatures had soared to 40degrees in Melbourne throughout the day, the roof had been closed (and the air conditioning on full blast) until a few minutes before the players took to court. As a result, the Scot had to send two rackets to be adjusted to the conditions midway through the opening set, but he chose against using them while he found himself serving to stay in the opener at 4-5.

Whether that was the right decision Murray only knows, but Djokovic capitalised on his unease, breaking in the 10th game to seal the opening set.

In similar vein, the second quickly ran away from Murray, who found himself 5-0 down – appearing almost resigned to defeat on some occasions – before he managed to grab a mini-foothold in the set. Djokovic resisted any comeback though, and served it out to move 2-0 ahead.

Come the third, Murray grabbed an immediate break and threatened a revival, but Djokovic broke straight back and forged a 3-1 lead. Murray did recover another break of serve, but the 2008 champ continued to attack in the manner that had swept him past Roger Federer in the semi-finals, and he hung on to double his grand slam tally to the delight of his vocal Serbian support.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.