British number one Andrew Murray capped off a sensational week in Madrid by becoming the first Brit to win two Masters Series titles after defeating Gilles Simon 6-4 7-6 (8-6).Murray followed up his memorable semi-final win over Roger Federer by battling to an unconvincing straight sets victory over a tired Simon, who was still recovering from his dramatic three set win over world number one Rafael Nadal.
It was by no means a classic, but Murray demonstrated his grit and determination to overcome the talented Frenchman and ensure that he claimed back to back Masters Series titles and become the first Briton to win four ATP titles in a season.
It was a cagey start as both players were unable to gain the initiative, until the Scot assumed control by breaking in the fifth game after converting on his third break point.
Murray kept his nose ahead and emphatically served the set out with three aces at 5-4 to claim the first set of this best of three encounter, which left the weary Simon with a mountain to climb.
The standard of tennis was not at it's highest but both players held serve with relative ease throughout the second set and it had to be settled by a dramatic tiebreak.
An exhausted Simon gained the upper hand in the second set tie break and held two set points at 6-4, only for Murray to produce some inspirational tennis to save both, Murray then hit a scintillating return to give himself match point and he sealed a tremendous victory when Simon went wide with a forehand.
Murray will head to St.Petersburg next week full of confidence as he looks to defend the title he won last year and continue his rich vein of form before the end-of-season Masters Cup at Shanghai.
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