Andy Murray won his third ATP title of the year beating Novak Djokovic 6-2, 7-5 in the South Florida heat on Sunday to win the Sony Ericsson Open. Playing intelligent and varied attacking shots allied to his usual impressive defence, the Briton was on top for all but the first part of the second set.
After dominating the first, Murray came back from 5-2 down in the second, the decisive moment coming when he broke Djokovic in the ninth game on a challenged call after the Serb had squandered two set points.
On break point, Djokovic's shot was called out and although he challenged the decision it was upheld, allowing Murray to draw level by holding serve in the next game.
The Scot then came back from 30-0 on Djokovic's serve to break again, having a bit of luck when his return clipped the top of the net and an off-balance Djokovic hit wide.
Murray, ranked fourth in the world, was left to serve out the match and clinch his third Masters series win and his 11th title on the ATP Tour. The Miami event is celebrating its 25th year but no Briton had previously managed to win the tournament at Key Biscayne.
The match took place in oven-like heat in the early afternoon and Djokovic - who has a history of struggling in high temperatures, retiring from the Australian Open in January - had to call for his trainer after the first game of the second set.
The world number three had played a series of sloppy returns in the first set and conceded he was well below his best.
Murray has now beaten Djokovic in each of their last three meetings after losing their initial four and his victory, coming after a runners-up spot in the Indian Wells Masters event, completes an excellent month for the 21-year-old.
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