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Murray slumps to terrific Tipsarevic in Dubai


 

Originally published on: 05/03/10 15:48

Sealed with a smash and a token fall to the knees, the bespectacled Janko Tipsarevic took out Britain’s Andy Murray with a terrific 7-6(3), 4-6, 6-4 victory in Dubai.

Despatching the world No.4 in an enthralling second round tie that lasted two and a half hours, the Serbian found an answer to everything the Australian Open finalist could throw at him, out-harrying Murray from all corners of the baseline.

Tipsarevic described his achievement as “one of the biggest wins” of his career. “Murray is contestant to be number one at the end of the season,” said the world No.39.

“He played unbelievable tennis at the Australian Open. He was one of the favourites to win the tournament here, for sure.”

The 22-year-old Scot however, was less confident of his chances of a maiden victory at the Barclays Tennis Championships.

“It is always disappointing to lose, but I did not have much expectation from the tournament,” said Murray after his second match since losing a second Grand Slam final to Roger Federer in Melbourne.

“I am coming from a big break after the Australian Open and was not as prepared as I should have been for the tournament.

“I was still trying out things on the court, rather than playing my normal game.”

Tipsarevic clinched the opening set on a tie-break, and Murray, fuelled by frustration, hit back with an early break in the second set which he held to set up a third.

But by then, Tipsarevic had formed a focused gameplan. “I just told myself that I have to remain calm and composed and take my chances when they come,” said the 25-year-old, who – prior to his first round victory over world No.45 Andreas Seppi – had only beaten one player inside the world’s top 100 this year.

With his all-court game firing as Murray tried to mix up the play, the Serb found himself with a 3-0 advantage in the final set.

Keeping hold of his solitary break and narrowly missing out on a second, Tipsarevic served for the match at 5-3, only to lose his serve courtesy of a trademark on-the-run backhand from the Scot.

But the unseeded right-hander put an end to Murray’s hopes of a comeback when he cracked a forehand winner in to the corner in the following game to seal a remarkable victory.

Murray now heads to the US ahead of the Indian Wells Masters 1000, aiming to better his runner-up performance in California last year, while Tipsarevic propels into the Dubai quarters in search of only a second appearance in an ATP final.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.