Andy Murray topples Grigor Dimitrov to retain his crown – Brisbane International 2013
Olympic gold medallist, Andy Murray from Great Britain, eased past the Bulgarian number one, Grigor Dimitrov, in straight sets at the Brisbane International 2013 on Sunday. He jolted down a 7-6(0), 6-4 victory against the 21-year-old to defend his title
at this ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) World Tour 250 Series event held in Brisbane, Australia.
Seeded top in this event, Murray displayed flawless tennis throughout the tournament, eventually bagging his first year-to-date title. Battling each other for the second time, Murray not only bagged $78,000 in prize money but also improved to a 2-0 lifetime
in the FedEx ATP Head 2 Head series against the Bulgarian.
"I hope that the Australian Open goes a bit better for me than it did last year," reflected the Dunblane native in a post match press conference about his Australian Open preparation. "I do feel more relaxed one week out from slam than I have done previously,
that's for sure, so I hope that's a good sign."
The British number one, Murray made a sloppy entry at this Australian Open build-up tournament. He suffered the first blow in the second game and fell at 0-3. However, the Scot snatched his break back in the ninth game and dragged the set to a tie-breaker.
He went berserk in it and eventually clicked the opener with a 7-6(0) win.
Ranked third in the world, Murray lost his track again towards the proceeding set. He gifted away his serve in the seventh game and went 3-4 down. However, the Scot re-structured after that and went on a three-game tear, ultimately sealing the set by winning
six games to four.
The Bulgarian, who reached his career best rank at number 41 after this final showdown, praised Murray, "He's a top guy, so he has his rhythm, his routine on court. He pulled out some really, really good shots when he had to so I didn't feel that I was far,
far from winning the set or even the match."
The 25-year-old ruled throughout the Queensland Tennis Centre. He lost only a single set en route to the title-round. Murray overpowered the injured Asian number one, Kei Nishikori, in semis to set up this clash.
Tags: