By Erik Gudris | Saturday, October 17, 2015
Once again, it was all about Novak Djokovic.
The World No. 1 posted a near-perfect performance with an easy straight sets win against current No. 2 Andy Murray in their semifinal at the Shanghai Rolex Masters.
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Many expected a tougher contest between the two especially since Murray won their last meeting in the Montreal final earlier this summer.
But early on it was apparent Djokovic was at the top of his game as Murray struggled to find his. Murray managed to fight off two break points against him in his opening service game.
Yet, Murray collapsed later against an onslaught of potent returns from Djokovic. Down 0-40, Murray threw in a double fault. That handed Djokovic an early 3-0 lead.
Djokovic took control of the opening set in the fifth game. Another strong return from the top seed caused Murray, down break point, to hook a forehand well wide. Djokovic then extended his lead to 4-1.
Murray, who committed 17 unforced errors in the first set, had no answers. Djokovic soon wrapped up the first set 6-1 in 25 minutes.
The second set saw Murray improve his hopes for a turnaround after he broke Djokovic in the opening game. But, Djokovic responded with this incredible effort from all sides of the court to break right back for 1-all.
From there, Djokovic offered up a master class of strong serving, effective volleys, and his trademark stifling defense from the backcourt. Soon, Djokovic once again held a 4-1 lead after Murray committed another backhand error.
Murray's serve did him no favors either. At one stage, he only managed to win 28% of his second serve points.
Murray, a two-time title winner, managed to keep things somewhat close after saving a match point in the seventh game. But it only delayed the inevitable as Djokovic stepped up to serve for the match at 5-3. On reaching his second match point, Djokovic struck a perfect down the line backhand winner to seal the convincing 6-1, 6-3 win.
The stats say a lot as Murray hit a whopping 30 unforced errors compared to just seven from Djokovic on the day.
Djokovic now enters Sunday's final seeking his third Shanghai title and first there since 2013. He'll face France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who earlier upset Rafael Nadal in three sets.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
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