Shock in Cincinnati: Andy Murray Wins Shortest Final Ever After Novak Djokovic Retires

The Serb and the Scot first played one another at the Madrid Open in 2006, when Djokovic got the better of Murray in three sets to book his place in the quarterfinals.

11 years later, they played their 36th and final match, as Djokovic again beat Murray in a deciding set, clinching the Qatar Open title.

Over the years, Murray and Djokovic played several classic matches on the ATP Tour, entertaining fans around the world.

Not all of their matches were five-set epics, however, as some were over and done with rather quickly.

Back in 2011, Murray beat Djokovic 6-4, 3-0 in the shortest-ever Cincinnati Open final when the Serb retired with an injury.

After the match, both players were asked about the injury and whether the hectic tennis schedule had played a role in Djokovic’s retirement.

Novak Djokovic said he was ‘trying to make changes’ to the tennis schedule back in 2011

During his post-match press conference, Djokovic gave his verdict on whether the tennis schedule was ‘too busy’.

“Yeah, well, you know, we can discuss this for the whole day,” he said.

“I mean, we do have some things that we are trying to change in the schedule.

“There will be certain changes from next year. The year will be two weeks shorter.

“But still, the intensity is going to be the same, if not tougher. But, look, it’s the same for everybody. We just have to, I guess, get used to it and adjust.”

Murray was asked the same question as he commented on the number of matches Djokovic had played in 2011.

“I think with the amount that Novak’s been winning, you know, things are going to build up throughout the course of the year,” he said.

“He’s played a lot of matches. I’ve had a few niggles throughout the year and had a few niggles this week as well. It just kind of happens.

“In tennis, it’s an 11-month year, and that’ll probably be the only match that Novak pulls out of in the whole year. But you play most of the year, not feeling perfect.

“The plan is to be feeling perfect going into the Grand Slams. That’s really been my goal this year, and done a good job at it so far.”

Murray was right to mention the schedule Djokovic played in 2011, as the Serb lost the Cincinnati Open final in his 59th match of the year. 14 years on, the schedule continues to cause problems, as several players have called for change during the 2025 Cincinnati Open.

11 years later, they played their 36th and final match, as Djokovic again beat Murray in a deciding set, clinching the Qatar Open title.

Over the years, Murray and Djokovic played several classic matches on the ATP Tour, entertaining fans around the world.

Not all of their matches were five-set epics, however, as some were over and done with rather quickly.

Back in 2011, Murray beat Djokovic 6-4, 3-0 in the shortest-ever Cincinnati Open final when the Serb retired with an injury.

After the match, both players were asked about the injury and whether the hectic tennis schedule had played a role in Djokovic’s retirement.

Novak Djokovic said he was ‘trying to make changes’ to the tennis schedule back in 2011

During his post-match press conference, Djokovic gave his verdict on whether the tennis schedule was ‘too busy’.

“Yeah, well, you know, we can discuss this for the whole day,” he said.

“I mean, we do have some things that we are trying to change in the schedule.

“There will be certain changes from next year. The year will be two weeks shorter.

“But still, the intensity is going to be the same, if not tougher. But, look, it’s the same for everybody. We just have to, I guess, get used to it and adjust.”

Murray was asked the same question as he commented on the number of matches Djokovic had played in 2011.

“I think with the amount that Novak’s been winning, you know, things are going to build up throughout the course of the year,” he said.

“He’s played a lot of matches. I’ve had a few niggles throughout the year and had a few niggles this week as well. It just kind of happens.

“In tennis, it’s an 11-month year, and that’ll probably be the only match that Novak pulls out of in the whole year. But you play most of the year, not feeling perfect.

“The plan is to be feeling perfect going into the Grand Slams. That’s really been my goal this year, and done a good job at it so far.”

Murray was right to mention the schedule Djokovic played in 2011, as the Serb lost the Cincinnati Open final in his 59th match of the year.

14 years on, the schedule continues to cause problems, as several players have called for change during the 2025 Cincinnati Open.

Carlos Alcaraz and Karen Khachanov suggest calendar changes

Before the tournament even began, Carlos Alcaraz shared his thoughts on the tennis calendar, outlining what he wants to see changed.

“We’re trying to change the schedule a bit, seeing if they can remove more tournaments so we can have more rest time, more vacation time,” he said.

“It’s not easy, but we’re trying.”

In round four, Russia’s Karen Khachanov suffered an injury, and while he wasn’t prepared to blame his retirement on the tennis schedule, he did suggest something needed to be done.

“If we speak generally, our schedule is quite difficult,” he said.

“I don’t want to complain, but at these big tournaments, on one hand, we have more days to rest, but on the other hand, the schedule is still very busy, jam-packed.

“It’s probably time to look at the schedule.”

The powers that be have been aware of the problems with the tennis schedule for over a decade now, but still nothing seems to change.

As is so often the case, you worry it will take a big injury to one of the sport’s biggest names before the tour takes action.

It remains to be seen whether Alcaraz and Khachanov’s words have a positive impact, but it will certainly be something to look out for over the coming years.