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Andy Murray v Novak Djokovic, Miami Masters final
World number one Novak Djokovic beats Britain's Andy Murray 6-1 7-6 (7-4) to retain his Miami Masters title.
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As it happened
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2100:
It's goodbye to the American hard-court swing but hello to the clay, and before we know it the French Open will be upon us. Much work for Murray and coach Lendl to do before then - how do you see the British number one faring at Roland Garros? Have your say when Sportsday Live opens for business at 0800 BST on Monday. In the meantime, why not send us a tweet @bbcsport. Thanks for your contributions today, we'll see you all very soon.
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2054:NOVAK DJOKOVIC
"We are good friends off the court. We've known each other since we were 12 years old so there a no secrets, we've practised together many times, we are great rivals and we've had thrilling matches on difference surfaces. It's always a challenge and always a pleasure to play against him.
"My goal is always to perform at my best in every match and tournament. My mindset for the next tournament, in Monte Carlo, is the same. It's my home tournament - I spend a lot of time there and will have a lot of support.
"I'm really looking forward to the clay season and hopefully the highlight will be the French Open, which is top of my priority list with the Olympics."
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2050:NOVAK DJOKOVIC
"It was definitely a great match to be a part of. I played really well from the start to the end. Andy was really close to winning the second set and the match could then have gone either way.
"It was a fantastic tournament for me after a disappointing loss in the semi-finals of Indian Wells. I needed to regroup, practice hard and get ready for this event. I managed to come up with my best tennis when I needed to so I'm really delighted.
"You cant really tell how difficult the conditions are from TV but it was really tough, hot and humid outside. I was ready to play long rallies with Andy. He's a quality baseline player. It's a really important title for me and will try and enjoy it as much as I can."
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2049:ANDY MURRAY
"In the first set I didn't serve or return well. In the second set I got into more of his service games. The conditions were tough, there were lots of really long points and it was a pretty long match [two hours and 18 minutes].
"Congratulations to Novak - he deserved to win today and has played the best tennis all week. He has played really, really well. I practice on this court about three months of year, I love training in Miami, its a great city and I look forward to coming back."
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2036:
Murray finishes with a first-serve percentage of 56% to Djokovic's 64%. The British number one failed to convert his only break, while Djokovic took two of his eight. There were also 39 unforced errors for Murray.
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2036:GET INVOLVED
Infostrada Sports on Twitter: "Djokovic wins 3rd Sony Ericsson Open title, joins Agassi (6) & Sampras (3) on 3 or more in Miami. 1st B2B winner since Federer in 05-06."
Daily Mail tennis correspondent Mike Dickson on Twitter: "Improved second set from Murray not enough to stop the Djoko juggernaut, and he rolls to a 6-1 7-6 (4) win. Serve a big difference."
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NOVAK DJOKOVIC BEATS ANDY MURRAY TO WIN THE 2012 MIAMI MASTERS
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MURRAY 1-6 6-7 (4-7) DJOKOVIC
Murray drills a forehand beyond the baseline and Djokovic lets out a huge smile. Game, set and match to the world number one. He meets Murray at the net, thanks the umpire and then unleashes an almighty roar. His support team are on their feet celebrating. Djokovic defends his Miami Masters title.
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MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (4-6) DJOKOVIC*
Djokovic hits the line with a forehand approach winner. Championship point..
*Denotes next to serve
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MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (4-5) DJOKOVIC*
Djokovic puts a return out after Murray serves out wide.
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (3-5) DJOKOVIC
Djokovic nets.
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (2-5) DJOKOVIC
Djokovic serves an ace out wide.
*Denotes next to serve
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MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (2-4) DJOKOVIC*
Djokovic produces a stunning shoulder-high inside-out forehand winner from the baseline.
*Denotes next to serve
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MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (2-3) DJOKOVIC*
Murray sends down his third double-fault and is furious with himself.
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (2-2) DJOKOVIC
Murray slices an incredible backhand drop shot that creeps over the net and stops dead.
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (1-2) DJOKOVIC
Djokovic sends a forehand long.
*Denotes next to serve
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MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (0-2) DJOKOVIC*
Murray nets a backhand.
*Denotes next to serve
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MURRAY 1-6 6-6 (0-1) DJOKOVIC*
Murray nets a backhand.
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 6-6 DJOKOVIC
Coach Marian Vajda grimaces as Djokovic slaps a squash-shot forehand into the net to give Murray 30-30. He summons some energy from his tiring limbs and lands a brilliantly deep forehand that forces Murray into the net. He can't repeat the trick on the next point, though, and frames a forehand well wide. Murray is certainly, and understandably, looking the fresher player but he lets Djokovic off the hook by dragging a cross-court forehand into the tramlines. We're into a tie-break...
*Denotes next to serve
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2013:GET INVOLVED
@ChristianDSmith: "Mammoth hold for Murray there, can Djokovic hang on physically? This match is his to loose at this point..."
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2011:Times tennis correspondent Neil Harman on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra
"If it goes into a tie-break, my few shekels would be on the Serb."
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MURRAY 1-6 6-5 DJOKOVIC*
More murmuring from the stands as Murray drops the first point of game 11. It's soon 30-30 and Djokovic looks bang up for this. Murray's response is impressive, returning a pinpoint lob with an aggressive forehand, and coach Lendl nods in approval. But Djokovic forges his way to deuce and then Murray picks the worst possible moment to send down a double-fault, gifting Djokovic a break point. The Scot atones with two magnificent serves and the crowd are chanting "Muuuuyray, Muuuuuray!". Djokovic does all he can to hang in there but he twice fires wide and Murray is now guaranteed at least a tie-break in this second set.
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 5-5 DJOKOVIC
Murray forces Djokovic into an early error to gain a look-in at 0-15 but mistakes of his own soon arrive as the world number one moves to game point. A dreadful overhead keeps Murray in contention, but he then goes long with a backhand and throws his arm up in frustration. Massive test coming up for Murray now...
*Denotes next to serve
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1957:GET INVOLVED
From James Watson on 81111: "Great tennis, big improvement on Murray's behalf from the guy who could never hold his own in the big matches! Djokovic just too good! Straight sets victory for him I'm afraid."
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1954:GET INVOLVED
@Rosalind4 on Twitter: "C'mon Murray! Djokovic is beatable!"
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MURRAY 1-6 5-4 DJOKOVIC*
A third poor groundstroke in as many points - this time on the forehand side - puts Murray in trouble at 0-15. The crowd begin to murmur. You know, the sort of murmur that goes round a stadium when you know something could be about to happen. Fortunately for Murray, it doesn't. A couple of juicy serves give the man from Dunblane 40-15. Djokovic winds up for a monster inside-out forehand but it clips the net and sails wide. He looks to his support team in disbelief, arms outstretched, grimacing. He'll have to serve to stay in the second set...
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 4-4 DJOKOVIC
That return game we were chatting about is now much-improved and it helps Murray to 0-30. It's not the British number one who is striking the ball a dream. Djokovic serves his way out of trouble but the delivery then malfunctions, a double-fault taking us to deuce. Murray's bouncing around the baseline - is this his moment to strike? Unfortunately not. He slices a dreadful backhand into the net and then does the same on the forehand side. Two absolute gifts and Djokovic comes to life, skipping around and shaking that fist. Opportunity wasted.
*Denotes next to serve
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MURRAY 1-6 4-3 DJOKOVIC*
Much, much better from Murray. A flurry of powerful, deep and accurate groundstrokes keep the Scot's nose in front. An inside-out forehand winner that wrong-foots Djokovic is the pick of the bunch. Novak bounces his racquet on the ground in frustration before slapping his thigh as Murray canters over the line.
*Denotes next to serve
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1938:GET INVOLVED
@ChristianDSmith on Twitter: "The worry for Murray is that Novak is beating him playing at maybe 60% or 70% of how well he can play."
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*MURRAY 1-6 3-3 DJOKOVIC
Crash, bang, wallop, bosh. Murray nets a regulation forehand to present Djokovic with what I make the first love hold of the match. Oh what Murray would give for one of those.
*Denotes next to serve
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1934:GET INVOLVED
Murray's former part-time coach Darren Cahill on Twitter: "Murray in escape mode in the 2nd set. Needs to make his move in a Djokovic service game to release some pressure."
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MURRAY 1-6 3-2 DJOKOVIC*
Murray benefits from a kind net-cord to move 30-15 ahead but Djokovic blatantly wants this game. He's got a spring in his step, he's going after Murray's serve. Murray, by contrast, looks a touch lethargic, slightly irritated. The world number one chalks up a break point only to chuck a backhand long. He's angry with his footwork, the Serb. He's got plenty of fans in the stands on Stadium Court, and their willing him to land the killer blow. But Murray digs in and when Djokovic lashes a backhand beyond the baseline, the Scot is able to shake that right fist like a cocktail mixer.
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 2-2 DJOKOVIC
'Fine' is an understatement as Djokovic dispatches Murray to 15 with consummate ease and it's Murray's turn to wear a frown of exasperation. Tough set to call, so be my guest... tweet me @bbcsport_david using the hashtag #bbctennis or pop us a text on 81111 (UK) including your name.
*Denotes next to serve
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MURRAY 1-6 2-1 DJOKOVIC*
Djokovic seems capable of upping the ante at will and when he forces Murray into one error too many it's break point to the world number one. Murray stands strong but here's a second break point... a gruelling rally ensures, the momentum swings from one player to the other and back again... ferocious shotmaking... Murray refusing to cave in... Djokovic nets and leans on his knees. He looks exhausted. Murray sees the game out and Djokovic looks forlorn. But you can bet you're bottom dollar he'll be fine by the time he comes out to serve again in a moment or two.
*Denotes next to serve
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*MURRAY 1-6 1-1 DJOKOVIC
Breathing heaving and beginning to shows signs of discomfort, Djokovic looks vulnerable at the start of game two. Murray pushes hard and carves his way to deuce, but just when he needs his return to function as best it can....... it lets him down. Murray only managed to win 39% of points on Djokovic's first serve in the opening set. In the second set it's already down at 20%. Must do better.
*Denotes next to serve
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1910:GET INVOLVED
@PStaveleyMusic on Twitter: "Murray's major problem is that he hasn't got mentality of a winner, but he can't get it till he wins something. Vicious circle. Lendl has obviously made improvements, but Djokovic and Nadal are machines. They won't roll over because someone's 'improved'."
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MURRAY 1-6 1-0 DJOKOVIC*
Cracking response from Britain's finest. He looks in trouble a 0-30 but fights back and produces his first fist-pump of the day when Djokovic flicks a volley wide at the end of a tense exchange. The Serb miscues again, giving Murray a boost after that first-set demolition job.
*Denotes next to serve
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1905:GET INVOLVED
@azanrocks on Twitter: "Murray playing to far behind the baseline whereas the Djoker is right on that baseline!"
@sufiyapatel on Twitter: "First set Djokovic :) Go Nole! It seems Murray still hasn't mastered the winning mindset but it's still going to be close."
@LauraLambert8 on Twitter: "Murray has come back from a set down many times! needs to come back fighting with much better serving."
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FIRST SET:
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*MURRAY 1-6 DJOKOVIC
Unstoppable from the world number one. "He's in complete control of everything he's done and every time Murray slips up he's there to take advantage," says Neil Harman on 5 live sports extra. "That's what great players do." Novak saunters his way to set point and plants a pinpoint serve on the line. Murray challenges. No chance. Djokovic on the march.
*Denotes next to serve
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MURRAY 1-5 DJOKOVIC*
"His body language is one of total annoyance with himself," observes commentator David Law on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra as Murray hands over another break point. Djokovic can't take the chance but he engineers a second break point, another bite at the cherry, and this time makes no mistake as Murray nets a forehand. Murray bashes his spare ball away. Serbian flags are a'flutterin. "Novak's in the house!" reads one placard. The world number one is striking the ball an absolute dream and he's one game away from the opening set.
*Denotes next to serve
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1851:GET INVOLVED
Former British number one Annabel Croft on Twitter: "Djoko looks physically exhausted despite leading 4-1 and murray looks like could run all afternoon in this heat - weird!"
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1849:
Murray, by the way, has won eight and lost only one of his Masters 1000 finals. But Djokovic has won 11 of his last 12 finals. That defeat came when he withdrew when playing Murray in Cincinnati last year. Who's it to be today? Tweet me @bbcsport_david using the hashtag #bbctennis or text us on 81111 (UK) including a name.
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*MURRAY 1-4 DJOKOVIC
A worrying scowl is scrawled across Murray's face as Djokovic moves 40-15 up in no time at all. "It's awfully early to be getting despondent," says Times tennis correspondent Neil Harman on 5 live sports extra. But Djokovic sends a backhand long and another into the next to give Murray a sniff. Before we know it, the world number one is facing a break-back point. He saves it with a delicious forehand drive-volley that wrong-foots his Scottish opponent. Murray then miscues a couple of backhands and Djokovic is able to consolidate the break.
*Denotes next to serve
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1841:GET INVOLVED
Former British number one Annabel Croft on Twitter: "Djokovic stepping it up now and taking ball on more than murray. Whose muttering to his camp more than we saw in oz! Lendl poker faced! Break."
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GET INVOLVED
From Ryan on 81111: "Murray to win in straight sets, seen a big improvement in mentality since Lendl joined his team."
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From Liv Coombes on 81111: "It's a tough one to decide. Both players have so much history between them. Djokovic seems to be doubting himself. I don't know if it's nerves or the memories of the really near loss in the Australian Open. Whichever, Murray has made an impact on the Serb. This is proving to be an interesting match."
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MURRAY 1-3 DJOKOVIC*
Murray takes control in the early stages of game four but at last Djokovic gets that famous backhand service return working and it brings him back into contention a 40-30. Murray still has game point but Djokovic sends him scurrying from side to side, finishing with a majestic forehand winner. Eyeing his prey, Djokovic makes his first net approach only for Murray to reel off a timely backhand pass up the line. A sloppy error gives Djokovic his first break point of the day but two big serves, the second a 134mph beauty, avert the danger. Murray wastes two further chances to serve out before netting a poor backhand to face his second break point. Djokovic takes command early doors, gives his fellow 24-year-old the run-around and Murray whacks a backhand wide. There's the fist-pump and it's first blood to Djokovic in steamy Miami.
*Denotes next to serve
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1828:GET INVOLVED
Former British number one Annabel Croft on Twitter: "Andy looks a bit tight at the start of this match - probably due to 3 days off and out of rythmn whereas djoko played 3 in a row!"
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1826:
From Peter in Dorset on 81111: "If Murray gets a chance to break he has to make it tell. He may only get a couple of chances in the whole match."
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*MURRAY 1-2 DJOKOVIC
Again the man in bright orange shoes - Murray, that is - targets his opponent's forehand. Does he know of a weakness we don't? It's slightly less successful in game three and Djokovic comes through for a comfortable hold to 15. When Murray beat Djokovic in Dubai earlier this season, the serve was key. He won the points on 88% of his first deliveries and allowed the best returner in the world only two break-point opportunities. A repeat today would do very nicely indeed.
*Denotes next to serve
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From texter on 81111: "I'm picking a Murray win here although you can never bet against Novak. The form he's shown of late is incredible. Murray's fresh but is he too fresh? I hope not."
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1822:
Djokovic, my colleague Stephan Shemilt tells me, is looking to become only the third man to win the Miami Masters on three occasions. The others are Andre Agassi (six) and Pete Sampras (three). Nice stat.
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MURRAY 1-1 DJOKOVIC*
"Both players, as one might imagine, a wee bit edgy," says Times tennis correspondent Neil Harman on BBC 5 live sports extra. Djokovic more so in that game, it must be said. Some wayward shotmaking from the Serbian sensation. Murray appears to be targeting his friend's forehand. A plan deployed with coach Lendl? Its working so far.
*Denotes next to serve
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*Murray 0-1 Djokovic
Djokovic weaves his way to 30-15 but it's Murray who draws the biggest cheer so far with an outrageous backhand lob that leaves the world number one befuddled. An approving glance from coach Lendl in the audience. At 30-30 Murray has a sniff, but his groundstrokes falter and Djokovic edges ahead. If you're sending us a text on 81111 (UK), please do put your name on it. Ta.
*Denotes next to serve
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1814:
Nerves? What nerves? Djokovic's squeeze Jelena Ristic is sat in the stands bopping along to a pop tune blaring out over the PA system. Presume the song is Hot In Here by Nelly, given the soaring temperatures. Let's get started, Djokovic to serve..
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1811:Times tennis correspondent Neil Harman on 5 live sports extra
"I have a funny feeling Murray is going to prevail today."
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1810:
A quick nod towards the women's event, which finished on Saturday with Agnieszka Radwanska beating Maria Sharapova. That's four Miami final defeats for Shazza, while Aga has still only lost to Victoria Azarenka this season. You can watch video highlights on the tournament website.
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1806:
Murray and Djokovic - born a week apart in 1987 - emerge into the stifling Miami heat. A packed crowd on Stadium Court greets these two scufflers, both decked in Wimbledon whites and baseball caps. Warm-ups under way. We're almost ready to rumble.
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1803:
@coleymoleyroley on Twitter: "Feeling good for an Andy Murray win today, needs to make a fast start against Nole."
@Shimmyrubin on Twitter: "Murray will be feeling fresh and although he doesn't have match time he would've played some practice matches so he'll be sharp."
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1802:
Novak Djokovic: "I don't think it will affect Andy that he didn't play his semi-final. He is a tough player. We all know his talent, his potential and quality. He's very consistent with his results."
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1801:
Andy Murray's former coach Brad Gilbert: "I'm wondering if having two walkovers on the way to the final might hurt Andy a little bit. In general, you think well-rested is a good thing, but he loves to work. Two walkovers and not playing in a match in three days might have a negative effect."
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1759:
Andy Murray: "It's different when you don't play a match for three or four days and it's never happened to me before. The positives are that you're going to be fresh and physically fine but I don't know what I'm going to be thinking walking out for the final."
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1755:
Murray's walkovers against Milos Raonic and Rafael Nadal, following his early exit in Indian Wells, means that during back-to-back Masters 1000 series events the Scot has only spent seven hours and 20 minutes on court. In the same period, Djokovic spent 18 hours and 11 minutes on court. Is Murray undercooked? Is Djokovic overdone? We'll find out when play gets started shortly after 1800 BST.
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1751:
Former US Davis Cup captain Patrick McEnroe on Twitter: "I'm picking the Djoker today But you know about me and my predictions!!! You?"
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1745:
It's a tale of two Davids for this one, Mr Law in the commentary box for BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and myself in the live text hotseat for the BBC Sport website. With the tennis calendar about to get magnificently busy, we'd love to hear your views on the coming weeks and months. Shout me @bbcsport_david using the Twitter hashtag #bbctennis or text in on 81111 (UK).
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BBC Radio 5 live commentator David Law in Miami
"In the bookies eyes, and on paper, Djokovic is certainly the favourite. He has successfully defended his Australian Open crown, is world number one by a distance, and for periods of matches this week he has been unplayable. However, he has also shown signs of fallibility. Against David Ferrer and Juan Monaco he produced fabulous first sets, but followed them with flat, uninspired second sets. There are other reasons for Murray to feel confident. Since Djokovic became the number one ranked player, only Murray has beaten him twice - in Cincinnati last August and Dubai earlier this year.
"Djokovic leads their head-to-head 7-5, but Murray has won five of their last eight, including their clash in the final here three years ago. Even Murray doesn't know whether he will benefit from walkovers received against Milos Raonic in the third round, and Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. He will be fresh, certainly, but he might lack match sharpness at this level, given that he also only played one match in Indian Wells. He has looked in good nick this week, though, and with Ivan Lendl looking on from courtside, he has only lost a single match - against Djokovic in that memorable Australian Open semi-final."
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1735:
Those of you in the UK may still be feeling the chill, but across the pond it's hotting up nicely. A pleasant 28C in Key Biscayne, to be precise. Welcome to our coverage of the Miami Masters showpiece between Murray and world number one Novak Djokovic. Sunscreen at the ready.
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1730:
They say practice makes perfect and Andy Murray has had plenty of that over the past few weeks. Since an opening-round defeat at Indian Wells on 11 March, the British number one has played only three matches in 20 days yet finds himself in the final of a rather important tennis tournament. Bet he wishes it was always this easy...
