Andy Murray wins Cincinnati Open after injured world number one Novak Djokovic quits the final, ‘can’t wait’ Us Open 2011.

Britain’s Andy Murray won the Cincinnati Open when his opponent in the final, Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, after a muscle injury forced the world number one to retire. Andy Murray swept the wounded Djokovic aside in 72 minutes to win his second Cincinnati Open title but, more significantly, he joined Roger Federer as the only player to beat the in superb- form Serb in 59 matches in 2011. Andy Murray, who has improved steadily all week in the tournament, could not be in a much better position a week before the US Open starts.

Andy Murray was already in control of the game and leading 6-4 3-0 when Novak Djokovic, who had received treatment to his right shoulder at the end of the first set, couldn’t continue the game, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of the U.S. Open 2011.

Us Open 2011 : Djokovic enters the tournament injured ?

The loss was just the second defeat in 2011 for the in-form Novak Djokovic, winner of the Australian Open and Wimbledon championships. But the timing of his injury could not have been worse as the last and grand slam of the year due to start in New York on August 29.

Andy Murray on the other hand enters his favourite tournament with boosted morale. ”I want to bring my A game and I will make a few small changes. Playing in the heat of the day [Center Court was close to 90C before the storm] takes its toll a bit but I will taper it off this week.” he said in the press conference.

Cincinnati Open Final : Andy Murray vs Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic, chasing an unprecedented sixth Masters Series title this season, had struggled from the outset with Andy Murray breaking his first service game.

The world no. 1 Serb showed some discomfort with his right shoulder but was still able to break back to 3-3 and bring the crowd to life, in anticipation of a real contest.

But Andy Murray, looking confident and efficient, broke his rival’s servic again straight away, finishing off a magnificent rally with a superb cross-court forehand winner.

Andy Murray served out the set and Novak Djokovic called for a medical time-out during the interval, receiving an extensive massage to his right shoulder and upper-arm. Although he returned to the court it was clear he was in discomfort and after dropping his first two service games to trail 3-0, the world number 1 resigned and came to the net to congratulate Andy Murray, who won his second title in Cincinnati after he also beat Novak Djokovic in the 2008 final and his seventh overall Masters title and a major boost to his preparations for Flushing Meadows, New York in the Us Open 2011.