Murray celebrates Cincinnati title

Andy Murray
12 April 2012

Andy Murray enjoyed the "perfect preparation" for the US Open after inflicting a second defeat of the season on world number one Novak Djokovic to clinch the Western & Southern Open crown in Cincinnati.

The Scot was always in control against a fatigued Djokovic, whose record for the season dropped to 57-2 when he was forced to retire while trailing 6-4 3-0 due to a shoulder injury. The problem could have serious ramifications for Djokovic as he attempts to land his third grand slam crown of 2011 at the US Open, but Murray heads to New York in buoyant mood.

After claiming his second title in what has been an up-and-down year, Murray said: "It was good. I thought the standard towards the end of the first set was very good, a lot of long rallies. He started off a little bit slow, made quite a few mistakes early on but the way I ended it was the perfect preparation for the US Open."

Murray's previous tournament success in Cincinnati preceded his best run in New York, in 2008, when he reached the final before losing to Roger Federer.

And the Scot is hoping for a similarly good run this year after admitting the conditions in Cincinnati were almost identical to those he will encounter in the Big Apple.

He added on Sky Sports 4: "This court is very similar to the one in New York and it's good to know I am playing well here in similar conditions and I hope I am going to have a good one."

Murray was scheduled to fly to New York following the match but admitted inclement weather may force a change of plan.

"I am going to take Monday off, we are meant to be leaving tonight but the weather in New York is really bad so we may have to hang around here. If the flight is cancelled we may drive, have a little road trip. I don't mind driving. For the Davis Cup I drove to Scotland (from London) in five hours!"

Djokovic was philosophical in defeat and conceded the injury meant he stood little chance.

The Serbian said: "I just could not serve. I served an average 90 miles per hour the first serve, and I could not play forehands. I could have maybe played another couple of games, but what for? I cannot beat a player like Murray today with one stroke."

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