Murray upsets Federer, wins Madrid Masters

20 October 2008

MADRID — Andy Murray earned a second title victory from his third major final in as many months as he won the Madrid Masters on Sunday over Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-4, 7-6 (8-6).

But Murray admitted that the 2009 transformation of the indoor event into an outdoor spectacular on clay for men and women might limit his future title chances at a new venue in the city.

"I’m not much of a clay-court player so I’m not sure if I will be up here again," he confessed after improving to 48-14 this season. "I will certainly make it my business to try and improve."

Hardcourt indoors was just to the Scot’s liking though as he added Madrid to the Cincinnati Masters title he lifted in August. He played the US Open final six weeks ago against Roger Federer.

He then stopped the Swiss on Saturday in Madrid before running down Simon, a semi-final winner over world number one Rafael Nadal.

"I’ve beaten Federer, Nadal and Djokovic, but I’m still a long way behind the top three," said Murray. "I’ve played great the past three months, but those guys have been unbelievable the past couple of years."

Murray’s big serves – he had 10 aces – played well against an exhausted Simon, who may skip next week’s Lyon event to rest as he makes a run from provisional 11th for the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

"I didn’t come here expecting to win the tournament," said the Scot, who took time off interrupted only by the Davis Cup in the weeks since the Open in New York.

"I’d practised very well but there is a difference between that and playing well."

Murray, the first Briton to win four ATP titles in a season, thanked the public "who might have preferred to see a Nadal-Federer final."

Simon said the public "gave me a great sensation for which I’m very thankful".

"I gave all I had, but the Rafa match had too much effect for me. I’m still pleased with this week, it was not easy."

[dpa / Expatica]