Andy Murray has played well for the second year in a row at the Madrid Masters.
Murray’s victory in the semi-finals on Saturday night, May 7, was even more appreciated than last year’s championship.
Murray’s opponent in Sunday night’s final is number one Novak Djokovic or number six Kei Nishikori.
Murray is on his way to defending his title.
“I think this is a better win for me than this tournament last year,” Murray said after the first semi-final.
He continued: “Not many players have beaten Nadal on clay during his successful career.
Meanwhile, Nadal admitted that Murray was the better player in important situations in the semi-finals.
“This is an open and fierce match, decided by just a few points.
The world number five player further commented: “Murray makes the difference off the tee.
Nadal, on his way to winning the championship in Monte Carlo last month, had to come back in the semi-finals, after letting Murray win the first set.
Nadal’s sublimation circuit was stopped.
This time, the owner of 14 Grand Slams could not do the same after also losing the first set with a score of 5-7.
In the second set, Murray saved eight of the nine break points he faced and took advantage of two break opportunities to close the semi-final after two hours and 11 minutes.
“When Nadal had break opportunities, I thought I served very well, and also played very aggressive, attacking tennis in those moments to save most of the break points,” Murray said.
If he fails to defend the Madrid Masters title, Andy Murray will lose the world number two position to Roger Federer.
Nguyen Phat