Novak Djokovic reached his first Masters 1000 final in Indian Wells 2007. Novak secured another in Miami two weeks later following a commanding victory over Andy Murray. Djokovic was on a mission in the first couple of months of 2007, winning the Adelaide title and setting the fourth-round Australian Open clash against Roger Federer. The Serb returned at his best in March, reaching the first Masters 1000 final in Indian Wells and claiming the first title in Miami two weeks later. Like in Indian Wells, Djokovic was too strong for Andy Murray in the semi-final in Florida, beating the Briton for the third time in as many matches and continuing where he left in the previous round against world no. 2 Rafael Nadal.
It was the clash of the 10th and 12th seeds, but only one player was on the court. Novak scored a 6-1, 6-0 triumph in 63 minutes to race into the title clash against Guillermo Canas. Andy spent just over 30 minutes in the quarter-final duel versus Andy Roddick, who retired before the end of the opening set. The Briton saved energy but suffered a massive loss against Novak, who outplayed him in every element.
Novak Djokovic lost only one game against Andy Murray in Miami 2007.
Djokovic lost 12 points in seven service games. The Serb fended off all three break chances and stole almost 60% of the return points for a marvelous performance and five breaks from nine opportunities. Serving at 41%, Murray could not stand a chance against such a reliable returner. Djokovic reduced him to five winners and over 20 unforced errors. Andy lost ground in the mid-range and most extended exchanges and dropped 11 straight games to propel Novak through. Interestingly, the Serb was the first to face troubles on serve in the third game. He fended off three break chances and claimed five points in a row to avoid an early setback and move 2-1 in front. He broke Andy in the next game following the Briton’s forehand error, opened a 4-1 gap after a hold at love and secured another break to serve for the set after 27 minutes.
Novak blasted four service winners in the seventh game to close the opener in style, dominating so far and hoping for more of the same in set number two. Things went from bad to worse for Murray, who suffered a break in the second set’s first game. He reached deuce on the return in the next game before Novak grabbed it with a service winner to gain a 6-1, 2-0 advantage. Djokovic secured another break in game three and raced into a 5-0 lead following Andy’s double fault two games later. The Serb moved over the top with four winners in game six to destroy the opponent and set the final clash against Guillermo Canas.
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