Murray just grand
Andy Murray wins US Open to end 76-year British rut
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After stretching for a backhand volley winner to hold at 1-1 in the third, Djokovic let out a guttural yell and pumped his fists. Djokovic kept up his better-late-than-never charge. He broke for a 2-1 lead, turning on a 126-m.p.h. serve with a terrific return. Soon enough, they were headed to a fourth set.
Djokovic held onto the momentum there. He secured a break point by tapping the ball over the net with the lightest caress, then took four steps, raised his right fist, and yelled. There was more punching of the air and screaming seconds later after a volley winner put Djokovic ahead, 1-0.
The sun was setting, the match was approaching 3½ hours, and it was apparent that Murray was now tentative and in some trouble.
Djokovic held to go ahead, 3-1, and eventually forced the fifth set.
Murray nosed ahead quickly, breaking for a 1-0 lead when his shot ticked off the net tape, throwing off Djokovic, who missed a backhand.
It was a 2-0 lead soon thereafter as Murray pounded a 131-m.p.h. service winner. Murray broke again to go ahead 3-0 and was on his way.
