Andy takes first MS title

03 August, 2008 | 22:08

Andy is a Masters Series Champion for the first time after winning a thrilling Cincinnati final against Novak Djokovic in straight sets, 7-6 (4) 7-6 (5).

In a match Andy dominated, he nevertheless had to pick himself up after seeing his opponent defend four Championship points to take the match to a second set tie-break.

With two more Championship points in the breaker, he struck emphatically on his sixth overall - blazing a backhand past the world No. 3, before hunching over in the way that title winners deserve to.

Speaking directly after the match, Andy described his "huge relief" at the victory.

Paying tribute to Andy in return, Djokovic said: "Last night (against Nadal) I played 'rocket tennis' - today, I tried to play rocket tennis, but I got rockets back."

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Match Report

Andy's second win against Djokovic on the bounce brings him his first ever Masters Series shield, and in so doing he's confirmed many people's suspicions - talk of a 'Top 3' might be outdated, soon.

On paper, this may look a tight match, but Andy outplayed the world No. 3 in all but a handful of points.

Andy dropped just five points in his six service games en route to the first set tie-break, his tactic of targeting his opponents weaker forehand return paying dividends.

In contrast, Djokovic was under constant pressure on his own delivery, facing break points in games five and seven as Andy found great depth on his returns.

With Djokovic's forehand found wanting - and found repeatedly by Andy - it was the Serb who clung on amidst a succession of shrugs and glances to his coaching team.

No surprise then that Andy would take the breaker 7- 4, his probing tactics forcing the Djokovic error count to rise above 30.

The world No. 3 struck what he hoped would be a decisive blow early in the second set for the 2-1 lead, only to hand it straight back with a game that included two double faults, and another unforced error; having had the mental strength to claw his way back, he didn't appear convinced he was playing well enough to make the advantage stick.

So when Andy broke later for the 5-3 lead courtesy of two audacious defensive lobs - just needing to serve it out - it looked like the match was his.

But there was more life in the old djok yet.

Looking defeat in the eyes saw, he suddenly started swinging the racquet with as yet unseen efficiency and power; growing in stature as he defended four Championship points, he broke back to level the set.

You could almost hear the headlines turning from good to bad.

That Andy managed to get his head together, head into a breaker, and win it in convincing style was testament to his mental strength.

Pouncing on what was his sixth Championship point, he blazed a backhand past his opponent before letting out a scream of relief.

And that was Cincy 2008. Not bad really.

Andy's reaction

"It's huge because to win these tournaments is tough nowadays," he said afterwards.

"I've played five days in these conditions and had eight or nine matches in the last couple of weeks. But I've put in the physical work and it's paid off.

"I got very nervous and he was hitting the ball really big but I hung in well.

"It was tough for both of us and there were a lot of long rallies. Your legs really burn out there and they were some of the hardest conditions of the year.

"But I stayed calm throughout and didn't waste any energy - especially when I went behind in a couple of matches.

"In the past maybe I'd have let that get to me but now I'm playing top players on a regular basis and I'm better equipped."

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