Injured Djokovic hands over Cincinnati title to Murray

Andy Murray last night enjoyed the “perfect preparation” for the US Open after inflicting a second defeat of the season on world No 1 Novak Djokovic to clinch the Western & Southern Open crown in Cincinnati.

The Scot was always in control against a fatigued Djokovic, whose record for the season dropped to 57-2 when he was forced to retire while trailing 6-4 3-0 due to a shoulder injury.

The problem could have serious ramifications for Djokovic as he attempts to land his third grand slam crown of 2011 at the US Open – which starts a week today – but Murray heads to New York in buoyant mood after claiming his second title in what has been an up-and-down year.

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“It was good,” he said afterwards. “I thought the standard towards the end of the first set was very good, a lot of long rallies.

“He started off a little bit slow, made quite a few mistakes early on but the way I ended it was the perfect preparation for the US Open.”

Murray’s previous tournament success in Cincinnati preceded his best run in New York, in 2008, when he reached the final before losing to Roger Federer.

And the Scot is hoping for a similarly good run this year after admitting the conditions in Cincinnati were almost identical to those he will encounter in the Big Apple.

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He added: “This court is very similar to the one in New York and it’s good to know I am playing well here in similar conditions and I hope I am going to have a good one.”

Murray was scheduled to fly to New York last night but admitted inclement weather may force a change of plan.

“I am going to take tomorrow off, we are meant to be leaving tonight but the weather in New York is really bad so we may have to hang around here.

“If the flight is cancelled we may drive, have a little road trip. I don’t mind driving.”

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Murray had his foot on the pedal from the off here as well, breaking Djokovic in the opening game.

Djokovic briefly sparkled, hitting back to level at 3-3 but world No 4 Murray simply upped the tempo to restore his advantage by breaking for a 4-3 lead after a lengthy exchange which culminated in a forehand winner from mid-court after his opponent had struggled to control a low volley.

The Scot duly served it out to claim the set before Djokovic had to call for the trainer and doctor.

And it was quickly apparent the end was near when Murray broke Djokovic twice to establish a 3-0 second-set advantage.

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Djokovic was in no mood to hang around, especially with a storm around the corner, and he offered his hand shortly before the heavens opened.

Murray was not getting carried away as he admitted there were still plenty of aspects of his game which required improvement.

“I got broken quite a few times this week,” he said.

“Today I was up a break in the first set.

“Also physically, I need to do some work and keep working hard before the start of the US Open,” he added.