Andy Murray blows chance to beat Novak Djokovic in Shanghai Masters final

The Serbian somehow stayed alive in the second set, breaking when Murray was serving for the match and then winning a remarkable tie-break 13-11.

And the world number two broke the Scot’s resolve in the decider to claim a 5-7 7-6 (13/11) 6-3 victory in three hours 21 minutes.

The result handed Djokovic his fifth title of the year, while it was two-time defending champion Murray’s first defeat in Shanghai in 13 matches.

The Scot said: “I’ve lost tougher matches than that before and I’m sure I will recover. But it was a top-quality match. Both of us played some unbelievable tennis at times.

“It was literally the difference of one, two centimetres [between] winning the match and losing it. You have to put things into perspective. It was obviously a bit frustrating but it was so close and could have been a
different outcome.”

Murray, who came into the final in fine form after beating world number one Roger Federer in yesterday's semi-final, added: “The third set, he played better than me. When I had my chances he served very well and hit the lines when he needed to.

“Most of our games have been tight, close matches but I feel like my game is there.”

On court, despite going a break down early on, the Scot recovered well to claim the first set.

A frustrated Djokovic smashed his racket on the ground in response and a straight-sets victory looked on the cards as Murray went on to serve for the the match at 5-4 in the second.

But from 0-30 down and having saved a championship point, the Serbian upped his game and broke back before forcing the tie-break which would change the course of the match.

Murray fell 3-1 behind in the breaker before getting back on terms and carving out two more match points at 6-4.

But Djokovic saved both and then two more at 8-7 and 10-9 before finally levelling the match on his fourth set point.

The momentum was now firmly with the five-time Grand Slam winner and be broke in the decider for a 4-3 lead.

Serving to stay in the match at 3-5, Murray saved two championship points, but could not do so a third time as Djokovic took the win.

“It was a thrilling match [and] very long,” said the Serb.

“Whenever I play Andy, I know it’s going to be a gruelling fight with a lot of long rallies. It could have gone either way.

“I could have easily been a runner-up today but I’m very proud of my fight.”