Andy Murray's Montreal Masters victory: What we learned
Tuesday 18 August 2015 18:24, UK
Andy Murray overcame world No 1 Novak Djokovic to claim the Montreal Masters title and with the US Open fast approaching there are plenty of reasons for optimism.
The British No 1 beat his old foe in three sets 6-4 4-6 6-3 to more than prove that his early exit at the Washington Open last week was merely a blip.
Here are five talking points after Murray’s memorable win…
Murray can outmuscle Novak
In recent meetings between the pair, Djokovic has managed to prevail despite looking down and out on occasion, in large part due to a perceived physical superiority over Murray. The final in Montreal looked like it may go the same way as the Serb came from a set down to level the match.
However, Murray seemed determined to end his dismal run against Djokovic and proved he could match him both technically and, particularly on this occasion, physically, using a combination of speed, power and aggression to claim the win.
Pressure points
Simply put, Murray won the big points in the big games. When the pressure was on and many others may have frozen, the Scot lifted his game to another level. He battled his way out of a number of tricky situations, including when he found himself 15-40 down when serving for the match.
Had Djokovic broken, the decider would have been back on serve and momentum would have been very much with the No 1 seed. As it was, Murray dug deep to take the game to deuce and despite Djokovic’s best efforts, he wrapped up the match on his fifth championship point.
More solid second serve
Murray’s vulnerability on his second serve is no secret. On a number of occasions it has put him under pressure, certainly against the world’s leading players.
However, in Montreal he used it to good effect. He stayed firm on it under pressure and used the kicker out wide well throughout the final. Djokovic felt that the difference between the players was their serving and that Murray’s second serve came up trumps was definitely a bonus for the British No 1.
The curse is lifted!
As well as Murray has played this year, he has been unable to beat the nine-time Grand Slam champion. In fact, ahead of their meeting in Montreal, Murray had lost the last eight matches between the pair, a run stretching back to 2013 and Murray’s Wimbledon triumph.
With that in mind, the win takes on even greater significance. A psychological barrier has been lifted with Murray knowing he can beat Djokovic and how to do it meaning he should have nothing to fear the next time they meet.
Renewed confidence
Having claimed another Masters title, the world No 2 will have the belief he can go on and win the US Open for a second time. His form throughout 2015 has been exceptional and he has proven he is capable of beating anyone.
Victory over Djokovic was arguably the final issue to overcome and having done that, Murray can go to Cincinnati with renewed confidence and from there it is on to Flushing Meadows and a chance to claim a third Grand Slam title.
