It's the first time this has happened since that historic Wimbledon final in 2013. After eight consecutive defeats in just over two years, Andy Murray returns to win a direct match against world number one, Novak Djokovic. He does it on concrete in Montreal, winning the final of the Canadian Open 6-4, 4-6, 6-3.
The Scotsman was already certain of regaining his second position in the ATP standings, but with this trophy - the second Master 1000 of the season after Madrid, the fourth overall title with Monaco and Queens - he celebrates in the best possible way his overtaking Roger Federer in the rankings .
The key moment of yesterday's match comes in the fifth game of the third set, which lasted 18 minutes. Murray is ahead by a break, 3-1 and service, but has to face the comeback attempt of the Serbian, who manages to play for the counter-break six times. The Scotsman, however, manages to assert a better physical shape and - for once - a true champion's psychological strength, canceling all his opponent's chances and taking up 4-1.
A few minutes later, at 5-2, Djokovic clears three match-points from his opponent and at 5-3 he has two balls again to balance the decisive set. Murray however relies on his service and manages to prevent the comeback of the Serbian, closing 6-3.
“I dedicate this victory to my coach, Amelie Mauresmo – said the Scot after the race -, who this morning became the mother of a splendid child”.
