Djokovic’s 6-3, 3-6, 6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 7-5 victory was the second-longest match of the tournament at 4 hours 50 minutes, when Djokovic broke Murray’s spirit early and ended up dominating in straight sets.
Djokovic dominated only one set this time: the fourth, which lasted just 25 minutes as Djokovic took a quick two-break, 3-0 lead. He carried that momentum into the fifth set, taking a 5-2 lead and serving for the match at 5-3, But he was broken at love by Murray, which even brought a big smile to Lendl, who watched much of the proceedings with his chin on his hand.
Murray fought back to 5-5 before Djokovic scrapped his way into command by fighting off three break points in the 11th game. The second break point provided the pièce de résistance, as Djokovic broke up a long rally with a bold forehand down the line that Murray could not handle.
Djokovic would be bold again on the third deuce, surprising Murray with an aggressive second serve at 108 miles per hour that Murray returned long. Djokovic then finished off the game with a forehand volley winner to go up by 6-5.
Finishing the match required him to break Murray for the 11th time; he pushed forward again at 15-40 by hitting a forehand volley that Murray managed to reach but not retrieve.
Djokovic was soon stretched out like a man who had just finished a marathon, which, in effect, he was. When he arose, he and Murray embraced at the net rather than simply shake hands.
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