MURRAY’S ROUT OF NADAL BEGINS DAY OF DOMINANCE IN ABU DHABI BY RICKY DIMON

A Mubadala World Tennis Championship final between Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray was by no means a foregone conclusion heading into Friday in Abu Dhabi. But it sure felt that was as the two semifinals progressed. Prior to Djokovic’s 6-1, 6-2 thrashing of Stan Wawrinka, Murray rolled over Rafael Nadal 6-2, 6-0.

 

It was a day right from the start of Murray-Nadal, although that showdown would have been more competitive had the Spaniard been able to convert even a mediocre percentage of break-point opportunities (he was 0 for 12). The sixth-ranked Scot broke serve for a 2-0 lead in the opening set then saved three break points to consolidate his advantage.

 

Murray earned another scalp of his opponent’s serve to wrap up the set in style, and from there he was off to the races. The two-time Grand Slam champion refused to relinquish even a single game in the second even though Nadal pushed Murray to deuce and game points on multiple occasions.

 

“For the second match of the year, I didn’t expect to play that well,” assured Murray, who opened with a three-set win over Feliciano Lopez. “It was a very solid performance and I was hitting the ball very, very clean. I hope I can keep it up.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the setback, Nadal sounded optimistic.

 

“It’s a perfect start here,” he commented. “I get to play matches against the top players and that helps me to know what I have to do, but at the same time it’s not ideal because after a long time without competing, starting against the best players in the world, you’re going to be in trouble. I played a lot of good points out there; I felt that I was dominating a lot of points. The main thing is I have to improve and that’s obvious and I’m going to improve. I’m sure of that.”

 

The 5,000 fans enjoying the Center Court action at Zayed Sports City saw another blowout in the nightcap. Djokovic surrendered just one game in the opening set then raced to a 4-0 advantage in the second at Wawrinka’s expense. The Swiss finally held twice late in the proceedings, but Djokovic sealed the deal without any trouble.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“From the first to the last point, I executed everything I wanted in the game plan,” the world No. 1 explained. “I’m really glad I was able to play on such a high level against one of the best players in the world.

 

For all of us here at this tournament it’s important to get as much time on the court playing, trying to see where our game is and trying to get ready for what’s coming up. Abu Dhabi has shown again its love of tennis. It’s a great crowd that motivates you and inspires you to do your best. I’m sure it’s the same for all of the guys, especially Andy. He played exceptionally well today so I’m sure it’s going to be a tough match tomorrow; a tough match but an exciting final.”

 

“The final will be a very good test for me,” Murray added. “To get the chance to play against Lopez, Nadal, and then Djokovic is a great way to start the year, in front of a great crowd and a good atmosphere. Hopefully I can play a good match and if I do that, I can make it very tough for Novak.”

 

Fifth place, meanwhile, went to Nicolas Almagro. The Spaniard defeated Lopez 6-4, 7-6 in one hour and 18 minutes. In addition to Saturday’s Djokovic-Murray final, Nadal will face Wawrinka for third place.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ricky contributes to 10sballs.com and also maintains his own tennis website, The Grandstand.

Topics: Abu Dhabi, Andy Murray, Mubadala World Tennis Championship, Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Ricky Dimon, Sports, Stan Wawrinka, Tennis

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