Andy Murray will lock horns with Novak Djokovic in the final showdown – Shanghai Rolex Masters 2012
Defending champion, Andy Murray from Great Britain, will square off against the second seed, Novak Djokovic, in the title-round at the Shanghai Rolex Masters 2012 on Sunday. The Brit stunned world number one Roger Federer while Djokovic triumphed over fourth
seeded Tomas Berdych in straight sets to set up this epic battle.
Seeded third in this event, Murray unveiled his true colours against the 17-time Grand Slam champion. He failed to block the lone breakpoint he came across but availed three out of 11 break opportunities, ultimately sealing the deal with a 6-4, 6-4 score
line. The Scot also fired five aces, spilled fewer double faults and finished the match with 75 points. He produced a lower first serve share of 53 per cent but impressively clinched 26 out of 30 points on it.
The world number three, Murray is in awesome run of form since losing the final at the Wimbledon Championships. He avenged his loss against Federer at the London Olympics in All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club and captured the gold medal. Spicing his
season further, the Scot went on to end his Grand Slam title drought at Flushing Meadows. He then made a final four berth at the Rakuten Japan Open Tennis Championships before entering Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena.
The former world number one, Djokovic on the other hand outmuscled fourth seeded Tomas Berdych in one hour and 25 minute-long marathon. He dusted away two out of three breakpoints he faced but cashed all three break chances to manipulate a 6-3, 6-4 success.
The Serb also struck five aces and despite spilling more unforced errors, he ended the match with 68 points. However, Djokovic clobbered a better first serve share of 75 per cent and clicked 35 out of 42 points on it.
The Serbian ace was quoted about his match-up against Murray:
"I don't like the word 'revenge.' I never like revenge. I just play tennis and I try to win every match that I play. He's a bit more aggressive [since losing the Wimbledon final]. It's obvious on the court. He goes more for his forehand, which wasn't his
strength in the past. Now this year he's improved that stroke and he's more confident on the court, has more self belief. He's got the results. He won a Grand Slam."
Djokovic has showed exceptional skills on hard courts. He conquered the Australian Open, first of the four Grand Slam events held in Melbourne, Australia. The Serb remaining three titles also came on hard courts including the recent at the China Open, an
ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 500 Series event held in Beijing.
Both 25-year-old stars will face off each other for the 16th time with Djokovic leading the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head Series by 8-7. However, the Dunblane native has conquered Djokovic in his previous two meetings including the most recent in the
title-round at the US Open.
The Olympic champion is most likely to defend his title after recording a 7-5, 7-5 victory against Djokovic.
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