Djokovic, Murray Roll in Abu Dhabi Semis
While only an exhibition, the Mubadala Tennis Championships in Abu Dhabi are a great way to do a little self evaluation before the season begins. Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray hope that their play Friday is a sign of things to come, as both players routed their respective opponent and will meet in the final.
In the first match, Murray took on Rafael Nadal who is working his way back into form following an injury plagued 2014 season. From the onset of this one it was clear that the match belonged to Murray, who opened up the second game by breaking Nadal’s serve to take the advantage.
After saving three break points for a hold, Murray took a 3-0 lead. After the two exchanged holds, Nadal would be broken again in the eighth game as the Scot captured the first set 6-2.
In the second frame, Murray was incredibly sharp. Despite a few break point oppurtunities that Nadal failed to capitalize on, Murray’s performance was nearly flawless as he forced the Spaniard into a second-set bagel, winning the exhibition’s semifinal 6-2, 6-0.
The second semifinal saw world number one Djokovic battle with Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka. Much like the first semifinal of the day, this one too was a route.
The Serb got things started by holding and breaking Wawrinka in the fourth game for a 3-1 advantage. After breaking again in the sixth game he was able to hold serve to win the opening set 6-1.
Just like Nadal against Murray, Wawrinka failed to take advantage of break point opportunities. This allowed Djokovic to take a commanding 6-1, 4-0 advantage in the match. Wawrinka would salvage the score with back-to-back holds, but was unable to break at all, resulting in a 6-1, 6-2 Djokovic victory.
The day’s results sets up a final showdown between two players who have met in four Grand Slam singles finals. Djokovic is in his fourth-straight Abu Dhabi final while Murray is making his second appearance.
