Men's Tennis: No. 2 in the World Novak Djokovic Defeats No. 4 Andy Murray

This closely contested match featuring Serbian Novak Djokovic and Brit Andy Murray was great clash. Both Djokovic and Murray utilized the whole court for this match.

Whether it was down the line, up the middle or crosscourt, both players were covering miles of territory by match conclusion. Some points were even placed inside the service line with close angles and delicate drop shots.

Djokovic held in the first game of the match and broke Murray in the second game. Perhaps this was an sign of things to come, as the second and the third games of the first set went to deuce a number of times.

The first set's average rally length was 11 points. The Serb was broken in the third game as the time played was averaging some 14 minutes. 

Djokovic broke back in the fourth game of the first set scoring off three break points. He broke again the following game to make it 5-1, which culminated with Djokovic’s hold, set score 6-1.

Unlike the first set, we read the second set as an all out struggle from both sides of the court. Murray started with a hold of his own, and he was bubbling over with energy.

We pick up on serve at 3-2, Djokovic. Djokovic was down love 30 but quickly came back to take the game. Murray's serve came back with a rush and broke Novak in the sixth game.

Murray mixed in a few drop shots and found his way into the third set. The inside out forehand might be one of Djokovic's favorite shots as he was opening up the court on several occasions.

The last point of the second set came off of a Murray net approach forehand crosscourt winner. Djokovic’s wish was for Murray not to reach his drop shot, but instead, Murray ran up with a rush of foot speed reaching the ball in an opportune position to put a close on the set.

The uses of specialty shots were not in short supply during this match. Moving onto the final and deciding set, both players were again poised for battle.

Having gone to a tiebreak, Murray coming up a little short must have been disappointing. Like most professionals on tour, be sure he did not spend too much time dwelling on a loss and had something to learn from the event.

Final score 3-6, 6-1 and 7-6(2) for Djokovic.