Novak Djokovic praises Andy Murray sportsmanship in Madrid Masters final

Novak Djokovic has used social media to show his gratitude to Andy Murray after an act of sportsmanship from the Scot during their Madrid Masters final on Sunday.

During his three-set victory in Spain, the world number one was issued with a time violation warning for taking too long to begin the next point.

However, Murray responded by taking the blame for Djokovic going over the designated 25-second limit, leading to the Serbian publicly thanking his rival on Twitter.

.@andy_murray really grateful and honoured to have witnessed your sportsmanship tonight. Tennis is lucky to have you as ambassador.Thank you

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) May 8, 2016

The showdown in Madrid was their 32nd meeting, with Djokovic's win his 23rd of their storied rivalry.