Miami Masters men's final preview: Can Andy Murray overcome the Novak Djokovic surge?
Can Murray avert a losing streak?
The last time Andy Murray defeated Novak Djokovic was in an emotionally charged match on the hallowed turf of Wimbledon. It has been almost 2 years and 6 encounters since and the Scot hasn’t gotten the better of the world number 1. They face off yet again in the final of the Sony Open for the second Masters title of the year. The question that arises is: can Murray do it this time around?
Well, to think about it, Miami presents the best chance for Murray to get past his nemesis. The main reason I say so is that South Florida is where the world number 4 practices during the off-season. There would be no other player more suited to the hot and humid weather than Murray. Secondly, it is here that the Scot has won two titles in the past, the most Masters 1000 titles he has won at a given tournament. However, his opponent himself is on a roll for the past few months.
Djokovic on his way to set a new record
Djokovic started the year with a loss to big serving Ivo Karlovic in the quarterfinals in Doha. However, the world number 1 followed that up with a Grand Slam winning performance at Melbourne Park beating Murray in the final. Justifying his big match temperament and ability to go the distance, the Serb overcame Roger Federer in the final of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. This was after he was humbled in straight sets in Dubai by the Swiss maestro. With the way he has been playing in the last few months, Djokovic would certainly enter the final as the favorite.
It may seem that Djokovic’s performance over the past few months has been blemish free. But think again, even though he may have won matches, there was a major scare in the fourth round for the world number 1. The Serb was a set and a break down against the unorthodox playing style of Alexandr Dolgopolov, before he fought back to claim the match. So, one thing is for sure that with the conditions in Florida, the world number 1 can be beaten.
Also, Djokovic is on the cusp of an extraordinary record if he wins the final on Sunday. No male player has won the Indian Wells-Miami double three times; he is currently level with Roger Federer who has accomplished this feat twice. Would there be added pressure because of this record? I think Djokovic has had enough high pressure matches to not be affected by this record. But you never know crunch situations can lead to errors creeping into his game. Recall the multiple double faults at the backend of the second set in the Indian Wells final.
Can Murray end his bachelor life on a high?
Murray on the other hand secured his 500th win on tour during the course of the tournament. The Scot has dropped sets to rising star Dominic Theim and big-serving Kevin Anderson enroute to the title clash. With his wedding a week away, some may say that he could already be halfway to Dunblane as he steps onto court on Sunday. But it could serve as an added motivation to head in to this joyous occasion with a major title under his belt.
One thing is for certain it is going to be a cracker of a final at Crandon Tennis Park. I guess tennis fans will only have to wait to see if this could be the perfect swansong to Murray’s bachelor life or an unprecedented feat for the world number 1.