Murray defeats Hewitt for first ATP title

Tennis : Britain's Andrew Murray battled from a set down to stun Australian third seed Lleyton Hewitt 2-6 6-1 7-6 in the final…

Tennis: Britain's Andrew Murray battled from a set down to stun Australian third seed Lleyton Hewitt 2-6 6-1 7-6 in the final of the SAP Open last night to register a first victory on the ATP Tour.

In by far the biggest victory of his career, the steely 18-year-old Scot played a smart, ambitious contest, dictating much of the match with blistering returns and steady play from the backcourt.

"This is perfect," Murray said in a courtside interview after winning an event where he defeated former grand slam winners Andy Roddick and Hewitt en route to the title. "I played solid all week. It's been the best week of my life."

After making a slow start, Murray appeared on course for a mauling as the Australian pushed the error-prone teenager all over the court to cruise through the opening set.

READ MORE

However, the Scot's never-say-die attitude paid dividends in the second set as he raised his game up a notch to level the match and take control of the contest.

Adeptly picking off Hewitt's serves, Murray found his rhythm from the service line and only attacked at opportune moments.

He broke Hewitt three times in the second set and so frustrated the 24-year-old Australian that Hewitt
double-faulted on set point.

Murray carried the momentum into the third set and broke Hewitt to lead 2-0 with brilliant backhand winner.

Unbowed, Hewitt broke back immediately and the 2002 champion repeated the feat at 4-2 after Murray had forged ahead with a second break of serve.

The Briton continued to press and was denied victory in the 10th and 12th games of the deciding set when Hewitt blasted an ace when facing match point each time.

Murray, however, was undaunted by the setbacks.

Serving at 5-3 in the tiebreak, Murray blasted a 126 mph service winner before sealing the contest with a sublime crosscourt backhand.