Murray meltdown makes it easy for Djokovic to ease through

Novak Djokovic was the winner of his quarter-final clash at the Sony Open in Miami, but the headlines will belong to Andy Murray. And for all the wrong reasons. The Scot had one of his infamous meltdowns on the stadium court at Crandon Park, allowing a mistake by the umpire to mar what had been, until the controversial incident, an encouraging performance.

For the first 11 games, Murray held his own with Djokovic. Usually, that would not be noteworthy. Murray has beaten Djokovic in 2 slam finals and many a Masters 1000 final. But, at this point in Murray’s career, staying with Djokovic is encouraging. The Serb is number 2 in the world, the recent winner in Indian Wells and playing well after some disappointing losses this season. Meanwhile Murray is ranked 6 and has not made a final in his five tournaments this year.

But the Scot matches up well with the Serb. Anything the Serb can do, the Scot can do just as well, and on his day, better. The two exchanged lengthy rallies, hitting the balls deep and back and forth until the moment came to go down the line or the short ball came for the winner. Then at 5-6, 0-0, Murray serving, Djokovic came to the net and volleyed a winner. And as the ball dipped into the court and died, Djokovic’s racket touched the other side of the net.

Murray saw it, Djokovic saw it, many of the crowd saw it. But the one person who needed to see it did not: the umpire. And even though the replay on the big screen reminded everyone and pointed out the error to the umpire, the umpire said the racket touched Djokovic’s side of the net. Djokovic said nothing, was given the point and Murray’s meltdown began. And when they start, he gets buried in the funk. The Scot would not let the Umpire forget he had forgotten to keep his eye on the ball, berating him in changeovers.

Murray did channel his anger somewhat positively, breaking Djokovic to go ahead 3-2 in the second. But, breaks of serve between these two, perhaps the game’s best two returners, are not uncommon. Djokovic broke back, Murray got even madder, and the Serb ran away with the match to take it 7-5, 6-3.

The incident marred what was until that point a fascinating match. Murray looks to be finally piecing his game back together as his body heals and a tough match here, win or lose, would have set him up nicely for the rest of the season. And for Murray, it would have been quite invaluable. The Scot will most likely sit out a lot of the clay season and prepare himself for the defense of his Wimbledon title, however, how good his chances will be after his slow start to the season is anyone’s guess.

Djokovic meanwhile continues his surge back to form. Having won Indian Wells and gained ranking points, he will also gain more points here as he bids to catch Nadal at the top of the rankings. Next up will be Kei Nishikori. The old guard against the new, two big ball strikers, let’s hope the tennis makes the headlines and not the failings of the officials or the players.