TENNIS – Andy Murray clinched back-to-back titles on clay winning the Madrid Mutua Open final against Rafa Nadal in straight sets 6-3 6-2 just six days after winning in Munich against Phillip Kohlschreiber in three sets. It’s the second consecutive title in as many tournaments upon his return to tour after his recent break for his marriage to Kim Sears in his hometown of Dunblane Scotland. Diego Sampaolo
This is Murray’s second Madrid title, although he first achieved triumph in the Spanish capital back in 2008 when the tournament was held indoors. Murray has enjoyed a strong start to his season which is also highlighted by two finals at the Australian Open and in Miami where he finished runner-up to Novak Djokovic both times.
Murray got off to a good start winning 12 of the first 14 points to build up a 3-0 lead. He had to save three break points in the seventh and ninth games en route to clinching the first set with 6-3.
Murray broke serve in the first game of the second set. He brought up a break point after a 21-shot rally but he wasted it with a forehand smash into the net before taking the double break for 3-0 lead following an error by Nadal. Murray held his next three service games to take the title after one hour and 29 minutes
Murray becomes the fourth player to beat Nadal in a clay final after Roger Federer (Hamburg in 2007 and Madrid in 2009), Novak Djokovic (Madrid and Rome 2011, Montecarlo 2013 and Rome 2014) and Horacio Zeballos (Vina del Mar 2013).
He celebrated his win by writing “Marriage works” on the camera lens after the match.
“I have always said if the personal stuff is happy and under control that helps your performance on the court. I also feel happy this year and I have trained well. I am in much better shape on the clay than I have been for a number of years”, said Murray.
It was a well-deserved win for Murray who had to play his Munich final against Phillip Kohlschreiber on Monday after the match was interrupted by rain and postponed to Monday. In Madrid he again met Kohlschreiber in a delayed match which ended at 3 o’clock in the night
Regarding his chances to win the French Open Murray said. “I have played well at Roland Garros in the past. Last year my game was not ready to win, whereas the previous time against Rafa there I played well. I don’t think I would go into the French as one of favourites but if I play I will give myself an opportunity”, said Murray
“I wasn’t expecting this a couple of weeks ago, so when things are unexpected, it feels nicer. I didn’t feel like I put too much pressure on myself in the past couple of weeks. To win a Master 1000 on clay is a step in the right direction. It’s something I had never done before. To win against Rafa on clay in Spain is an extremely difficult thing to do”, said Murray
Murray won his 10th Master 1000 title and claimed his first ever win on clay against Nadal, well known as the undisputed King on this surface and winner of five Madrid titles.
Nadal, who had not dropped a single set in this tournament before the final, will drop to World Number 7 in the ATP Ranking. It’s the first time in a decade that Nadal is ranked outside the top 5.
