Novak Djokovic had a huge and rather controversial break, eventually defeating champion Andy Murray, after an irreversible umpire call handed him the advantage.
While both played excellently, Murray suffered a number of unlucky hits and even had an argument with the umpire before dropping a serve to love that may have thrown him off his game. According to BBC Sports, Murray questioned his opponent's move when he played a volley over the net, but chair umpire Damien Steiner had been firm that Djokovic did not commit any error when the racquet made contact with the ball.
The score settled at 7-5, 6-3.
In a TV interview with ESPN, Djokovic commented, "Look, it might be my mistake. I think I crossed the net with that racquet. I didn't touch the net. Maybe the rule is that you are not allowed to pass on his side with the racquet. I'm not sure. You tell me."
The Serb, after seeing a replay of the game, acknowledged later that his racquet did go over the net, although he seemed to be unaware of the rule that states a player cannot volley the ball in his opponent's side of the net. Regardless, whether or not it was an erroneous call, the umpire's ruling is irreversible. A flustered Murray, apparently distracted by the decision, lost the next three sets inlcuding two double faults to hand the win over to his opponent.
This defeat pushes Murray's standing to eighth in the world -- his lowest since 2008. But the Scottish champion said he is not angry over what happened.
With the loss, Murray can now concentrate on the Davis Cup to be held in April in Italy. Meanwhile, Djokovic is set to move forward and face No. 2 seed Kei Nishikori of Japan on March 28. Rafael Nadal will play against Milos Raonic of Canada on the same day.
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