Andy Murray loses to Novak Djokovic AGAIN in Miami Open final

ANDY MURRAY was unable to end his losing run against Novak Djokovic as the world No 1 walked off with a second successive Miami Open title after a fierce tussle yesterday.

Andy MurrayGETTY

Andy Murray once again came out second best against Novak Djokovic

The Briton had lost his last six matches against Djokovic and defeat No?7 looked imminent  when he dropped the opening set at Crandon Park on a tie-break.

Third seed Murray battled back valiantly to snatch the second set and take the match into a decider, only for his game to desert him as Djokovic claimed a 7-6, 4-6, 6-0 victory after two hours 46 minutes on court.

A disappointed Murray – who still moves to No?3 in the world – said: “I’m not quite there with Novak yet but I feel like I’m getting a little bit closer and I just need to keep working hard and hopefully it will come.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t make more of a fight  of it in the third set. I was trying, my legs were tired and I couldn’t quite push hard enough. 

“I’m sorry I couldn’t quite get the job done in the final but I will be back next year and try one more time.”

Novak DjokovicGETTY

Novak Djokovic lifted the title for the second successive year

Murray was looking to wrestle back the title he won in 2013 and applied pressure from the start, earning his first break point in the opening game but wasting it with a forehand into the net.

However, another opportunity came along on Djokovic’s next service game and this time Murray moved up a gear, forcing his opponent out wide before finishing him off with an overhead smash.

The advantage was wiped out immediately, though, with Murray firing long.

The Briton refused to give in and his persistence paid off in the seventh game when an error from Djokovic once more put Murray a break up.

Yet again he was unable to defend his advantage as Djokovic snatched the break back, and the pair continued to slog it out to eventually usher in the tie-break. This time Murray’s game let him down badly, as two sloppy shots into the net allowed Djokovic to wrap up the set with ease.

Murray reaches Miami Open final

I’m sorry I couldn’t quite get the job done in the final but I will be back next year and try one more time

Andy Murray

It had taken well over an hour to decide the opener and it was no surprise energy levels dropped in the second as the gruelling heat began to take its toll.

Murray nevertheless found something in reserve to fight off two break points in the third game before squandering one of his own on Djokovic’s serve as the set threatened to reach an impasse. Frustration crept in for both players as they fought to gain the upper hand but it was Murray who seized the chance as the match passed the two-hour mark.

With Djokovic serving to stay in the set, two errors from the Serbian followed by a lovely forehand down the line from his opponent set Murray up with three set points. The Scot hammered home a backhand return to take the match into a final set.

It looked as if Murray held the edge but his momentum quickly went at the start of the third, with Djokovic breaking twice to drain the last dregs of energy from his opponent.

It proved a disappointing climax to an enthralling match, with Murray broken again before Djokovic served out successfully for his fifth Miami crown and his 51st career title.

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