Murray crashes out in Monte Carlo

Novak Djokovic (Ser) bt (14) Andrew Murray (Gbr) 6-0 6-4

BRITISH number one Andy Murray paid the price for a sluggish start as he was dumped out of the Monte Carlo Masters 6-0 6-4 by Novak Djokovic.

Murray failed to make an impression as his fellow 20-year-old powered through the first set and he was unable to retrieve the situation.

Djokovic dropped serve only once as Murray briefly rallied in the second set but the Serb hit back for a convincing and deserved victory.

Third seed Djokovic dictated the pace from early on, continually forcing Murray deep behind the baseline and finding plenty of time to place his winners.

Murray's struggles became evident in his first service game, which lasted almost 15 minutes and went to several deuces before Djokovic prevailed on his third break point.

Murray offered brief resistance when he forced Djokovic to save two break points in the fifth game, but otherwise the Serb was barely troubled as he swept the first set in 39 minutes.

Djokovic rattled off a seventh successive game at the start of the second set but then surprisingly lost momentum as Murray at last gained a foothold by holding and then breaking.

Yet it was not to last as Djokovic immediately broke back and then, after saving a couple of break points, held to nose himself ahead again.

Murray showed some resolve but Djokovic claimed the decisive break to take the match in the 10th game of the set.

Murray's defeat was his fourth as a professional to Djokovic, a friend and rival from their junior days.

It was also a setback in his attempts to establish himself on clay.
Djokovic told Sky Sports: "It was a great win for me today, but I didn't expect such an easy first set.

"At the start of the match we had a really, really long game – the second of the match and I think it was the turning point in that set.

"But then he was a break up and had some great chances at 2-2 and 3-3 in the second set, but he didn't use it.

"I was trying to sty focused and stay calm and be aggressive because Andy is a very talented player and can come back at any time."