BRISBANE — Britain’s Andy Murray retained his Brisbane International title with a straight sets win over Grigor Dimitrov.
Report by Supersport
Murray, the US Open champion and top seed, triumphed 7-6, (7-0), 6-4 in just over an hour-and-a-half against the Bulgarian world number 48.
“I’d like to dedicate this victory to one of my best friends,” said Murray, holding back tears at the trophy presentation.
“He’s back home watching — you’re going to get through it.” Although Murray did not say who he was talking about, Davis Cup teammate Ross Hutchins announced later on Sunday that he had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The 25-year-old Scot lost 11 of the first 12 points, trailed 3-0 and needed to save set point before taking the first set on a one-sided tie-break. He also had to break back in the second set against his highly-rated 21-year-old opponent, who was playing in his first tour final.
Dimitrov led 4-3, but Murray raised his game to break back straightaway thanks to a backhand passing shot, a superb return and a backhand winner down the line. He then held to love for a 5-4 lead in a service game that lasted 56 seconds and broke Dimitrov once more to wrap up victory.
Murray paid tribute to Dimitrov, who beat second seed Milos Raonic, seventh seed Jurgen Melzer and 2006 Australian Open finalist Marcos Baghdatis en route to the final and was bidding to become the first Bulgarian to win an ATP title in the open era.
