Marvellous Murray triumphs in Madrid
Andy Murray has already sealed his place in next month's season-ending Masters Cup in Shanghai
Also In The News
|
Manchester United took close to an hour to open the scoring against West Brom, but eventually ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at Old Trafford. |  |
Sunday, 19, Oct 2008 10:11
Andy Murray has continued his breakthrough season by beating Gilles Simon 6-4 7-6 (8/6) to win the Madrid Masters.
Britain's number one has now won back-to-back Masters titles after his triumph in Cincinnati in August.
Murray made a solid start against the Frenchman and broke in game five when he benefited from three unforced errors to lead 40-0. The US Open runner-up seized his opportunity at the third time of asking with a delicate lob to lead 3-2.
Mirroring his display in his win over Roger Federer yesterday, the Scot looked comfortable on his serve and clinched the first set after firing three straight aces.
The second set was a cagey affair with both players holding onto their serve with few problems. But Simon appeared to be tiring after a grueling week which included yesterday's win over Rafael Nadal in a match lasting over three hours.
And Murray capitalised on his opponent's fatigue by taking a 4-3 lead in the tie-break with some ferocious forehand winners. But Simon hit back to set-up two set points which the Dunblane teenager saved with two sumptuous drop shots.
The Briton then produced a stunning forehand to set-up championship point and he triumphed when Simon hit a volley wide after a marathon rally.