ANDY MURRAY CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY & BEATING NOVAK DJOKOVIC FOR THE ROME TENNIS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2016

Written by: Staff on 15th May 2016

ANDY MURRAY CELEBRATES HIS BIRTHDAY & BEATING NOVAK DJOKOVIC FOR THE ROME TENNIS OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2016

epa05308270 Britain's Andy Murray (L) poses with his trophy after defeating Serbia's Novak Djokovic in their men's final of the Italian Open tennis tournament at the Foro Italico in Rome, Italy, 15 May 2016. EPA/CLAUDIO ONORATI |

By Ricky Dimon

Andy Murray lifted the Internazionali BNL d’Italia trophy for the first time in his career by upsetting Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3 in the final on Sunday evening. Murray held all nine of his service games while fighting off three break points in the process to get the job done after one hour and 35 minutes.

The second-seeded Scot applied serious pressure on Djokovic right from the start. He held at love to begin the the proceedings, extended Djokovic to four deuces despite failing to break in the second game, took care of his serve at love again for 2-1, and seized control by breaking for a 3-1 advantage. A break in the fifth game of the second set gave Murray a stranglehold on the match.

At one point Djokovic, who is a four-time champion in Rome, wanted play to be delayed due to rain, but–unlike in the preceding doubles final featuring the Bryan brothers, Jack Sock, and Vasek Pospisil–there were no stoppages.

“I didn’t see any reason why we couldn’t stop the game for a little bit until we get the court in a proper condition to play,” the top-ranked Serb commented. “We played on a very heavy court because it was raining for an hour and it was very muddy behind the baseline. In three games I literally could have twisted my ankle two or three times. To me it’s also ridiculous that the chair umpire, who doesn’t wear tennis shoes and wears the casual shoes, comes out and just slides on the line and says, ‘okay, the court is good’ or not.

“These kind of matches are important for for both players. Obviously when you get to play a rival, and of course you want to win, sometimes you get too emotional.”

In five victories this week, Murray went 10-0 in total sets and did not even get pushed to a single tiebreaker.

“Each time I go up against him, I know I have to play a great match to win,” Murray said of Djokovic. “I’ve had great preparation now going into the French Open. I have played against [Rafael Nadal} a couple of times (and) Novak a couple of times. You know, (I have) not won all of the matches but competed extremely well even in the ones I have lost.

“(I’m) going to Roland Garros with a lot of confidence. Over best of five (sets), as well, (it) takes a little bit more physical and mental strength. I feel like I’m on the right track, so hopefully I can have a good run there.”

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

Britain’s Andy Murray poses with his trophy and birthday cake after beating Serbian Novak Djokovic in their final match of the Italian Open tennis tournament at Foro Italico in Rome, 15 May 2016. Murray won 6-3 and 6-3. EPA/ETTORE FERRARI

Topics: 10sballs.com, Andy Murray, Atp World Tour, Clay tennis, Internazionali BNL D'Italia, Novak Djokovic, Ricky Dimon, Rome Masters, Tennis News

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Iloveandymurray says:

May 15, 2016 at 6:03 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: -@andy_murray Celebrates His Birthday & Beating @DjokerNole For The #Rome #Tennis Open 2016
https://t.co/gmt1n4AooY https…
hernandes_z says:

May 15, 2016 at 6:53 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: -@andy_murray Celebrates His Birthday & Beating @DjokerNole For The #Rome #Tennis Open 2016
https://t.co/gmt1n4AooY https…
mishall8 says:

May 17, 2016 at 6:11 pm

RT @10sBalls_com: -@andy_murray Celebrates His Birthday & Beating @DjokerNole For The #Rome #Tennis Open 2016
https://t.co/gmt1n4AooY https…