News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 9 years ago
Rediff.com  » Sports » Indian Wells: Djokovic crushes Murray, faces Federer in final

Indian Wells: Djokovic crushes Murray, faces Federer in final

March 22, 2015 09:15 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Novak Djokovic of Serbia

Novak Djokovic of Serbia returns a shot to Andy Murray of Great Britain during semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells. Photograph: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

World No 1 Novak Djokovic crushed Britain's Andy Murray 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday to set up a mouthwatering final against number two Roger Federer in the BNP Paribas Open.

Indian Wells: Williams withdraws; Jankovic tops Lisicki

Federer defeated Canada's Milos Raonic 7-5, 6-4 to reach his 40th ATP Masters 1000 final and earn a repeat of last year's epic final where he lost to Djokovic in three sets.

Djokovic has now won six straight matches against the Scotsman since his defeat in the 2013 Wimbledon final and owns a 17-8 record in their career meetings.

"It went really well from the beginning," said Djokovic. "I came out with the right intensity and Andy made a lot of unforced errors. I just played solid and I am happy with the performance," Djokovic said after the one hour, 28 minute match.

"I was expecting a battle, it always is with Andy but today I guess he wasn't as close as where he wanted to be on a high quality. I just hung in there and played tactically right."

The defending champion broke Murray three times to win the opening set and never looked in danger of needing a third set to secure his place in the final.

Djokovic, who has won three times in Indian Wells, looked sharp right from the outset while Murray made just two first serves in six points in his opening service game.

Murray made a series of unforced errors, and having fallen a set behind, he struggled to find a way to turn the momentum in his direction.

In a tight first set, Federer broke to go 6-5 up when Raonic, who beat Rafa Nadal in Friday's quarter-finals, went long with a backhand.

Big serving Raonic produced nine aces but Federer kept firm control in the second set, saving the only break point he faced.

"I think I did very well in the first set, scrambled down a few balls and then I did well to get the early break in the second set," said Federer.

"After losing 7-6 to him (Djokovic) in the third last year, I couldn't wait to face him on centre court again."

Federer, who is on a 19-set unbeaten run, has won Indian Wells on four occasions.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024

INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE 2024