The top two players in the men's game would battle for the title, but this battle has been completely one-sided over the last couple of years as Novak Djokovic has dominated Andy Murray. The world number one winning 11-of their last 12 meetings and looking to continue that trend as he seeks a record setting 29th career Masters title.
Novak Djokovic (left) and Andy Murray (right) receive their trophies after the final of the Madrid Masters on May 8, 2016. [Photo: sports.sina.com.cn]
And Djoker would continue his mastery over the Scott in the opening set -- breaking his opponent three times, including in this service game, with a ridiculous angled forehand winner. He takes the opener 6-2.
Off to the second set, and Djokovic looks to be in control again, the two wage in a stunning 17-point rally, where the Serb forces Murray to retreat, and has a chance to smash away for the winning point, only the Scott keeps the play alive. Djoker then tries a drop volley, which is returned, but the world number one then steers it into the open court for a winner.
Murray would find his game in the frame, and is able to exchange in a powerful rally from the baseline before unleashing a wicked forehand winner, as he takes the set 6-3, forcing a decider.
But Scot had no answer in the third, falling behind early, and he was unable to match Djoker's consistancy, and hits into the net on match point, handing the top seed the match 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. It was Djokovic's fifth title of the season, and a record-breaking 29th ATP Masters title.
"There was a lot of nerves involved, especially in the third set, but that's what happens when you play at this level against one of the best players in the world and against one of the biggest rivals I have had throughout my career but, all in all, it was just a very pleasing week and I'm satisfied the way I played from the first to the last match. I'm just taking a lot of positive emotions to Rome from here," Djokovic said.