Murray beats Simon in Madrid

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Andrew Murray

World No. 4 Andy Murray (pictured) claimed his second successive ATP Masters Series shield by halting marathon man Gilles Simon 6-4, 7-6(6) in the final of the Mutua Madrilena Masters Madrid on Sunday.

The Scot was competing in his third final in four events, having captured his first ATP Masters Series crown at Cincinnati (d. Djokovic) and reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the US Open (d. Nadal; l. to Federer). He is already assured of his place at Tennis Masters Cup Shanghai for the first time, currently No. 4 in the ATP 2008 Race.

This week has also seen Simon build a strong case for his place at the season-ending finale. The 23-year-old Nice native came into Madrid at No. 12 in ATP 2008 Race. He will now move to No. 9 in the ATP 2008 Race, within six points of No. 8 Juan Martin del Potro, and become the No. 1 Frenchman.

Madrid Photo Gallery

Dunblane native Murray becomes the first British player to win two ATP Masters Series titles, as Tim Henman (2003 Paris) and Greg Rusedski (1998 Paris) both won one each. The right-hander is also the first player to win back-to-back titles at ATP Masters Series Cincinnati and Madrid (since 2002).

Murray now joins an exclusive list of players to have won at least two ATP Masters Series titles in a season over the past five years:

2008 — Rafael Nadal 3, Novak Djokovic 2,
2007 — Rafael Nadal 3, Novak Djokovic 2, Roger Federer 2, David Nalbandian 2
2006 — Roger Federer 4, Rafael Nadal 2
2005 — Roger Federer 4, Rafael Nadal 4
2004 — Roger Federer 3, Marat Safin 2

It is the Scot’s seventh overall ATP title and fourth of the season. Murray, who also triumphed at Doha (d. Wawrinka), Marseille (d. Ancic) and Cincinnati, becomes just the third player this season together with Juan Martin del Potro (4) and Rafael Nadal (8) to win four ATP titles. He is the first British player to win four titles in a season, eclipsing Mark Cox who captured three in 1975.