“Novak made it extremely hard out there”, said Murray, who needed five match points to win as the Djokovic defence came to life.
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Murray’s semi-final victory over Kei Nishikori in the semi-finals ensured he overtook Roger Federer in Monday’s new ATP rankings to return to number two for the first time since 2013. Djokovic survived three championship points at 5-2, before Murray eventually claimed the final set 6-3. It took him almost two years to get back to his former glory, but he was able to win the 2015 Montreal Masters by taking out the one player who seems to get in his head the most. She gave birth to a baby boy this morning – I’m not sure she will have stayed up to watch this one.
With his ranking back to No. 2 and his confidence soaring after his 35th career title (11th Masters), Murray moves on to Cincinnati where he’ll try for a third crown there.
Both players were keen to lay down a marker ahead of the US Open, which begins later this month, and first blood went to Murray as he put Djokovic under intense pressure to take the first set 6-4. “Probably me and my tennis are the last thing on her mind just now, which is totally understandable”.
Murray prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 to end an eight-match hoodoo, dating back to his success over the Serbian in the 2013 Wimbledon final, to secure his fourth title of the year. The Swiss said: “I’m fresh and eager to play and can’t wait for the tournament to start”.
Djokovic overcame the odoriferous distraction to beat Chardy in straight sets, but lost to Andy Murray in Sunday’s final in three sets.
In hot, muggy conditions at Uniprix Stadium, Murray served at 3-1 in the third, already up a break.
“You can’t believe how bad it was”, Djokovic said, per Fox Sports in Australia.
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“Andy, who is an all-around player, very complete, has been somebody that has been around for so many years”. That single break threatened to become a double break in the Brits next service game, but some fearless play averted the danger. “I think I’m more exhausted”, the Japanese fourth seed said. “I played better than I did yesterday, but still I need to get at least a level or two higher tomorrow in order to win the title”.
