The Match Where Novak Djokovic Saved Five Championship Points to Defeat Andy Murray and Win the 2012 Shanghai Masters

The Match Where Novak Djokovic Saved Five Championship Points to Defeat Andy Murray and Win the 2012 Shanghai Masters

In the world of tennis, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray were once fierce rivals, battling each other in some of the most intense and unforgettable matches in ATP history. However, the dynamic between the two has changed drastically in recent months. Instead of competing against each other on the court, they have now joined forces, with Andy Murray stepping into a coaching role for the Serbian legend.

This transition has marked a significant turning point for Djokovic, who is navigating a challenging phase of his career. At 37 years old, he is no longer the dominant force he once was, facing increasing competition from younger players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. However, his decision to bring in Murray as part of his coaching team signals his determination to maintain his place at the top of the sport.

From Rivals to Allies: Murray Joins Djokovic’s Coaching Team

Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic’s history is one of intense battles, deep mutual respect, and now, an unexpected alliance. The two former world No.1s have faced each other countless times on the ATP Tour, with their rivalry spanning multiple Grand Slam finals, ATP Masters 1000 events, and even the Olympics.

Now, with Murray stepping into a coaching role, Djokovic is hoping to benefit from the experience and insights of someone who knows his game inside out. The partnership was first seen in action at the 2025 Australian Open, where Djokovic reached the semifinals before withdrawing due to injury in his match against Alexander Zverev. The setback raised concerns about Djokovic’s physical condition, as he also suffered an early exit at the Qatar Open, losing to Matteo Berrettini in the first round. Interestingly, Murray was not present for that tournament, leading to speculation about his strategic involvement in Djokovic’s schedule.

Both players have spoken openly about how their past matches have helped shape their current relationship. One match, in particular, stands out—the epic 2012 Shanghai Masters final, where Djokovic staged one of the most dramatic comebacks of his career against Murray.

The Legendary 2012 Shanghai Masters Final: Djokovic Saves Five Championship Points Against Murray

Rewinding to 2012, the Shanghai Masters was one of the most anticipated tournaments of the season. As the second-to-last ATP Masters 1000 event of the year, it attracted the world’s best players, with the top four seeds all making it to the semifinals—setting the stage for an electrifying conclusion.

The final saw Andy Murray, the defending champion and newly crowned US Open 2012 winner, take on Novak Djokovic in a match that would go down as one of the most thrilling encounters in Shanghai Masters history.

Murray, playing some of the best tennis of his career at the time, had the upper hand for most of the match. He served for the championship and even had five match points in the second set. It seemed all but certain that he would secure back-to-back titles in Shanghai.

However, Djokovic had other plans. Displaying his signature mental toughness and resilience, he fought off all five championship points in a dramatic tie-break to take the second set. The shift in momentum was palpable—Murray, who had been on the verge of victory, suddenly found himself locked in a battle for survival.

Djokovic maintained his intensity in the deciding set, ultimately securing a 5-7, 7-6(11), 6-3 victory after more than three hours of breathtaking tennis.

This match was not just a testament to Djokovic’s extraordinary ability to perform under pressure but also one of the most heartbreaking losses in Murray’s career. It was a moment that highlighted the razor-thin margins between victory and defeat at the highest level of the sport.

How That Match Shaped Djokovic and Murray’s Relationship

The 2012 Shanghai Masters final was a defining moment in the Djokovic-Murray rivalry. While Djokovic emerged victorious, the match reinforced the idea that these two players brought out the best in each other.

Fast-forward to today, and that rivalry has evolved into a partnership. Djokovic, now at a stage where he must carefully manage his body and tournament schedule, sees Murray as a valuable asset in his corner. The former British No.1 understands Djokovic’s game better than almost anyone, having played against him in numerous high-stakes encounters.

With Indian Wells 2025 approaching, all eyes will be on Djokovic as he looks to claim his first title since winning the 2023 ATP Finals. With Murray by his side, the big question remains—can Djokovic rediscover his peak form and return to his dominant ways?

Can Djokovic Win His 100th Career Title at Indian Wells?

As Djokovic prepares for Indian Wells, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Not only is he searching for his first title in over a year, but he is also on the verge of reaching a historic milestone—his 100th career ATP title.

Currently, only two players in men’s tennis history have reached that landmark:

• Jimmy Connors – 109 titles
• Roger Federer – 103 titles

With 99 titles to his name, Djokovic is just one tournament away from joining this exclusive club. Given his previous five victories at Indian Wells, the Masters 1000 event in California presents a perfect opportunity for him to achieve this feat.

However, there are many challenges ahead. Djokovic’s form has been inconsistent outside of Grand Slams, and questions remain about his fitness. While he has registered for Indian Wells, there is still speculation about whether he will be in peak physical condition for the tournament.

Another key storyline is how Murray’s presence in his camp will impact his performance. Will their new coaching dynamic prove to be the missing piece in Djokovic’s quest for sustained success? Or will the Serbian legend struggle to adapt to a new way of approaching his game?

A Crucial Tournament for Djokovic’s Future

With younger stars like Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev dominating the ATP circuit, Djokovic faces one of the biggest challenges of his career. He is no longer the undisputed No.1, and every tournament feels like a crucial moment in shaping his legacy.

Regardless of what happens at Indian Wells, one thing is clear—Djokovic’s story is far from over. Whether he wins his 100th title or falls short, his journey remains one of the most compelling narratives in tennis.

For fans of both Djokovic and Murray, the upcoming tournament is not just about winning or losing; it’s about witnessing two legends of the game embark on a new chapter together. Will their partnership lead to another historic moment? We are about to find out.