Agencies
Rome, May 16: Andy Murray enjoyed the perfect 29th birthday present here Sunday, puncturing Novak Djokovic’s air of dominance by beating the out-of-sorts Serb in straight sets in the final of the Italian Open 6-3, 6-3. Meanwhile Serena Williams ended her nine month title-drought with a 7-6 (7-5), 6-3 victory over Madison Keys in an all-American final.
Just a week after Djokovic had beaten him in the final of the Madrid Open, the Scot gained his revenge over the World No. 1 in another clay court final with a superb display, earning his win in 95 minutes.
Djokovic was not at his best and in a grumpy mood, complaining on several occasions to the umpire about the slippery court surface on a damp day at the Foro Italico.
Yet the defeat, just his third of the entire season, could not be totally put down to hints of weariness from Djokovic after a tough week’s work as he told Murray afterwards: “Well done Andy, you were just too good today.”
The light rain in the Italian capital really seemed to dampen Djokovic’s spirit as he complained to the umpire that it was ‘too dangerous’ to continue but his appeals were brushed aside by the official, Damian Steiner.
Murray was aggressive from the start, taking command in the light drizzle, and even when Djokovic appeared to be fighting back in the second set, Murray saved breakpoints in successive games to begin imposing himself again.
Serena on the other hand had won her last title at the Cincinnati Open in August. It was her fourth time here and she joined Conchita Martinez and Gabriela Sabatini, who also took four titles at the Foro Italico. It was the 70th title overall in Serena’s career.
