Superb Djokovic and Murray into final in Miami

Novak Djokovic gave former world number one Roger Federer a big surprise by beating him today, even with a 2-7 head to head record. It is now a 7-3 head to head record in Federer's favor, but today Djokovic definitely outwitted Federer. Federer had a 5-1 lead in the first set, then allowing Djokovic take two more games because of his miss-timing of the ball, especially from the forehand side which also set the tone for the rest of the match. The second set was taken by Djokovic with a 6-2 score. The last set saw Federer smash his racquet in a rare outburst of anger, which then allowed Djokovic to take advantage of the situation and seal victory after Federer made another forehand error wide. The final score was 36 62 63.

Djokovic will face Andy Murray in the final who also had to pull off a hard fought win against Juan Martin del Potro who beat Rafael Nadal yesterday. Murray won the clash 61 57 62. Djokovic has an advantage of a 4-2 lead in the head to head record going into the final on Sunday. 

Results for April 2, 2009

Thursday, 2 April, 2009

Singles - Quarter-Finals
[6] J Del Potro (ARG) d [1] R Nadal (ESP) 64 36 76(3)
[4] A Murray (GBR) d [8] F Verdasco (ESP) 61 62

Doubles - Semi-Finals
A Fisher (AUS) / S Huss (AUS) d [1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) 76(6) 64
M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) d J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) 46 76(8) 10-6 - saved 5 M.P.

Del Potro stuns Nadal in thriller

Juan Martin del Potro shocked the crowd in Miami today by rallying from a 0-3 down deficit in the third set to beat number one in the world Rafael Nadal. The Argentine got confidence by winning the first set 64, marking the first time in the five matches against the Spaniard that he won a single set. The second set saw the Argentine on serve at 2-1, but Nadal hit back to win the set 63. The third set was about digging deep for every point, and this time the Argentine came through in the end to win the match 64 36 76(3) to record his first win over Rafael Nadal.

He will face Andy Murray in the semis who was no match for his opponent Fernando Verdasco as he beat him 61 62.

Results for April 1, 2009

Wednesday, 1 April, 2009

Singles - Quarter-Finals
[2] R Federer (SUI) d [5] A Roddick (USA) 63 46 64
[3] N Djokovic (SRB) d [10] J Tsonga (FRA) 63 64

Doubles - Quarter-Finals
[1] B Bryan (USA) / M Bryan (USA) d [6] B Soares (BRA) / K Ullyett (ZIM) 76(1) 64
J Knowle (AUT) / J Melzer (AUT) d R Hutchins (GBR) / J Kerr (AUS) 63 61
A Fisher (AUS) / S Huss (AUS) d F Cermak (CZE) / M Mertinak (SVK) 64 36 10-6
M Mirnyi (BLR) / A Ram (ISR) d J Benneteau (FRA) / J Tsonga (FRA) 76(1) 76(5)

Federer and Djokovic to play in semis

Novak Djokovic snapped a four-match losing streak against Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, as he took out the Frenchman in straight sets. Djokovic was up 4-2 in the first set, making the Frenchman lose his serve for the first time in the tournament and then clinching the set 6-3. The second set saw Djokovic go up 4-3 then 5-4, when he finally held victory after denying Tsonga two break back opportunities. The final score was 63 64.

Roger Federer on the other hand had a tough day at the office as he went on to lose a set to defeat Andy Roddick. The score was 63 46 64, and gets Federer to the semis where he will face Djokovic.