Murray exploits Djokovic slow start, claims crown

KEY BISCAYNE, Florida – Andy Murray took advantage of Novak Djokovic’s slow start to win the Sony Ericsson Open title, 6-2, 7-5, Sunday.

The Scotsman used his vast repertoire of shots and took advantage of two wobbly stretches by Djokovic. The Serb looked nervous at the start and fell behind 4-0, and in the second set Murray rallied from a break down at 1-4 and won 10 of the final 11 points.

Murray became the first three-time titlist on the men’s tour this year. He’s off to a career-best 26-2 start, and since July his record is 57-7, best on the tour.

He finished with only 19 unforced errors, while Djokovic had 43.

It was a matchup of Nos. 3 and 4 instead of the anticipated showdown between Nos. 1 and 2. Top-ranked Rafael Nadal lost in the quarterfinals to Juan Martin del Potro, and Djokovic upset Roger Federer in the semifinals.

With US tennis fortunes flagging, maybe Americans can claim Murray, who owns a condo near Key Biscayne and trained during the winter at the University of Miami. Back home, he’s touted as a threat to become the first British man since 1936 to win Wimbledon.

On a sunny, 85-degree day, Murray looked fresh throughout the match, while Djokovic appeared to wilt quickly and consulted with a trainer early in the second set. (AP)