Andy Murray beats Roger Federer to the Shanghai Masters title
Andy Murray claimed his second title of the 2010 season at the Shanghai Masters on Sunday, October 17, overcoming world number two Roger Federer in the final.
Murray, who showed impressive form throughout the tournament, overcame the Swiss 6–3 6–2 in a solid performance.
"It was a great week - I played some of my best tennis, especially tonight," the 23-year-old, who successfully defended his Canadian Masters title in August, said after the victory. "You always have to
play your best to have a chance against Roger. I managed to do that most of the week so I'm really pleased."
Murray took charge of proceedings in the very first game of the match, as Federer's inconsistent service allowed the Scot to hit an impressive baseline forehand to break his opponent.
After Murray held his serve, Federer had to defend a break point at 2–0, which he managed to do. It was then Murray's turn to stave off a break before the world number four's service delivered him at 5–3.
A stunning return from the baseline earned the Scot two set points on Federer's serve, which failed the Swiss, as it did during last month's US Open defeat to Novak Djokovic.
Federer looked certain to have prevented Murray from breaking with a clever drop shot, but the 23-year-old managed to anticipate the shot and race up the court to hit a crosscourt return that earned him
the first set.
Federer stronger early in the second set
The 16-time Grand Slam champion opened the second set strongly, earning a break point in the first game that Murray had to defend with excellent service.
At 1–1, Federer earned two break points and had Murray slightly unnerved. After some lengthy rallies pleased spectators, Murray hit an ace to hold his serve.
Murray got his crucial break at 2–1, after which he held his serve with a convincing variety of shots on the uncharacteristically frustrated Federer.
The Scot broke again to earn a 5–2 lead before the Swiss great hit two balls into the net after creeping up the court. Murray's varied game allowed for no mistakes, and Federer made a few too many in the
match.
"I couldn't quite break through. Andy played great," Federer said after the match. "He didn't give me much and made me work extremely hard - going for big shots which I couldn't pull off, which was unfortunate
but I still had a great tournament."
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