Djokovic prevails over Murray in a battle

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Djokovic prevails over Murray in a battle

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Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates after defeating Andy Murray of Great Britain in their quarterfinal match after midnight yesterday at the U.S. Open in New York. [REUTERS/NEWS1]

NEW YORK - World No. 1 Novak Djokovic wore down old foe Andy Murray in a typically grueling encounter under the lights at Flushing Meadows on Wednesday to reach the semifinals of the U.S. Open.

In a repeat of the 2012 final, which Murray won, the pair combined for some stunning long rallies before Djokovic pulled away for a 7-6 (1), 6-7, 6-2, 6-4 victory to set up a semifinal against Kei Nishikori of Japan.

“I think we played a very physical match in the first two hours,” said Djokovic said. “We both gave our best. I knew coming into the match that he was going to go for his shots and the one who was the most aggressive would win.”

Murray ended the match struggling a little with his movement and required a hot compress for his back midway through the fourth set.

But he produced arguably his best tennis since having back surgery 11 months ago and gave the top seed a real scare.

In the end, the Scot was left to rue a series of missed break point chances, taking just four of 16 in all, while Djokovic was successful on seven of 10.

In their 21st meeting, Djokovic dropped serve in the opening game but surged ahead 4-1 only for Murray to hit back, prompting the Serb to smash his racket on his chair at the change of ends.

He regained his focus to take the tiebreak 7-1, and when he led 3-1 in the second set, he looked as if he would run away with the match.

But Murray suddenly began cracking forehands with huge power and he recovered to force another tiebreak, also winning it 7-1.

The start of the third set proved crucial as Djokovic broke again for 3-1, but this time held his advantage to move ahead.

Although Murray hung in well for much of the fourth set, despite a sore back, Djokovic broke in the 10th game to advance.

Reuters






















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