Italian Open 2016: Novak Djokovic vs. Andy Murray Score, Reaction

Andy Murray overcame world No.1 Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-3 in Rome to win the 2016 Italian Open on Sunday afternoon.

Ranked third in the world standings, the Scot came into the contest as the fresher of the two participants, having downed Lucas Pouille in just 59 minutes in Saturday’s semi-final.

Murray was able to recuperate from his final-four action and watch Djokovic slog through over three hours of gruelling action as his encounter with Kei Nishikori went down to the wire.

Sunday would not only mark Murray’s opportunity to secure his 12th ATP Masters 1000 title, but also his 29th birthday.

Djokovic was prepared to play the role of party pooper in the Italian capital in his quest to secure a fifth Rome Masters crown following his title successes in 2008, 2011, 2014 and 2015. 

However, it was Murray who started the brighter of the two, as he earned three break opportunities in his opponents’ first service game. The Serb denied each opportunity but would not be as fortunate two games later, as Murray grabbed the first break of the match at 3-1 with a rifled forehand to backcourt to force a backhand error.  

The Glasgow-born right-hander would go on to take 16 of his first 19 service points to take the opening set of the match 6-3.

Murray’s …

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