Monte Carlo Masters

Third-round latest:

A MURRAY (GB) * v N DJOKOVIC (Ser)

0-6 0-1

* denotes server

LATEST ACTION (all times BST)

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By Sarah Holt

SECOND SET Tennis: Murray beats Federer ...
Tennis: Murray wins in Marseille ...
Tennis: Murray into semi-finals ...

Murray 0-1 Djokovic
Djokovic is firing down his forehands to devastating effect while Murray wipes his face, wiggles his hat and looks down at his feet. The British number one is struggling to find a way past Djokovic. The world number three holds to win his seventh game in a row. And some stats from the first set; Murray just four winners compared to 14 for Djokovic.

FIRST SET

Murray 0-6 Djokovic
Murray is having a bit of trouble getting his first serves in but a deft drop shot and a sliding forehand take him to game point. Murray gets his tactics confused though and slides to deuce, handing Djokovic set point with a double fault. Murray looks all at sea while Djokovic wraps up the first set.

1453: "Murray is so defensive. How is he going to test the top players? Come on Andy attack!"
Anonymous says what we're all thinking via text

Murray 0-5 Djokovic
It feels like there could be a little lull under the Monte Carlo sunshine and Murray might have to summon up some of his famous spirit to find an answer to Djokovic, who holds. A colleague of mine used to sing "Murray, Murray, Murray" to the tune of "For The Love of Money" by the O'Jays - also known as the theme tune to the US version of The Apprentice - when Murray looked down and out. D'ya reckon that would help?

Murray 0-4 Djokovic
Murray is quickly in trouble again as he hands Djokovic two break points. The Scot flings back the ball as the umpire calls the game in the Australian Open champion's favour. Four straight games to Djokovic, can Murray dig himself out of trouble?

1443: "This is Murray's chance to make a statement for his entire clay court season. I do feel like Novak will prove too tough though. Djokovic to win in straight sets"
Ajeet via text

Murray 0-3 Djokovic
Djokovic's not hanging about here. He closes out his game to 15, sealing it with a smash.

Murray 0-2 Djokovic
Djokovic flings a massive return past Murray to take the first point on the Scot's serve but pops another into the tramlines at 15-15. It's early days but Murray is looking just a little bit vulnerable; he's staying well behind the baseline and that is giving Djokovic too much time to place his shots. The third seed gets his first break point but Murray saves deuce. Murray goes long to give Djokovic advantage but Murray saves a second break point, passing Novo at the net. Three more deuces come and go.

Warning: We could be in for a long match here.

Make that four deuces. Djokovic applauds as Murray wins a point with a twisting backhand; still that doesn't stop a sixth deuce coming around. A long game, and it's tough for the hard-working Murray, as Djokovic conjures a passing shot to help secure an early break.

Murray 0-1 Djokovic
And we're off as Djokovic serves and smoothly moves to 30-0, and then 40-0 with a lovely floated drop shot. The third seed holds.

1420: "The teachers at my school have gone on strike, so now I can stay at home in comfort cheering on Murray in this huge game."
KingKaller on 606

1415: Murray and Djokovic are on the clay knocking up and it looks like there is a slight breeze blowing across the Monte Carlo court. Here's a quick word from the players on each other.

Djokovic: "Andy deserves to be in the top five because he's a great player on any surface."
Murray: "Novak's had a great start to the year and he'll be expected to win the match, but I'll have to do my best."

1407: Before we crack on with a spot of Murray mania, I just wanted to cast your minds back to June 2006 when rumours abounded that Djokovic was holding talks with the LTA about playing for Great Britain. As it was it was speculation and nothing more but seems crazy to think how much Djokovic has done since then.Djokovic dismisses British links

1405: "This is a moment for Murray. Either he's going to stay with Djokovic or their careers are permanently diverging."
Maccaogl on 606

1400: What a day it's been for those sat under the azure skies and sunshine of Monte Carlo's centre court, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and now Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray provide the icing on their gateaux.

It really should be a cracking match; at least if Murray can continue his run of decent form on clay.

The red stuff is Djokovic's least favourite surface. He says that despite winning the 2007 Estoril Open and then reaching the semi-finals of the French Open.

Murray and Djokovic are both 20, in fact the Scot is older by just a week, but Djokovic has already stolen the march on his pal by climbing to three in the world rankings and winning his first Grand Slam in Australia this year.

Can Murray get one over on Djokovic in Monte Carlo? If he does it will the first time in four attempts. You can text on 81111 or comment on 606.
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(BBC)

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