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Murray clinches Brisbane title


 

Originally published on: 08/01/12 06:38

Murray made it look easy when he defeated his Ukranian opponent in just 66 minutes to lift the Roy Emerson trophy in Brisbane. Dolgopolov was carrying an injury to his leg and apologised to the crowd after the match “for some boring tennis”.

Dolgopolov had during the week received a lot of treatment from the physios and masseuers. He nearly retired from his semi-final match against Gilles Simon with a groin injury and today he said: “I couldn’t move much on my right leg. It was tough to go right and push from it. I just tried to do my best and still stay on the court because the stadium was full and you don’t want to pull out of something like that.”

The talented Ukrainian was on form at last year’s Australian Open when he defeated Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Robin Soderling before coming up against Murray in the quarter-finals.

Injury aside, Murray looked confident on court today. As usual the Scot was watched by his coaching team, which included Ivan Lendl who flew in earlier this week to spend his first week on the road with his new charge. Murray was quick to thank them at the end of the match.

“This is my first week with a new team, I really enjoyed it, so hopefully it will bring success in the future,” he said.

The world No.4 also paid tribute to Dolgopolov’s coach, Jack Reader. In stark contrast to team Murray, his opponent today has put his faith in his single relationship with Reader, and with a smile Murray reminded the crowd that Jack is also an Aussie. Nice touch.

It was a great week for Murray in claiming his 22nd career title. Might the stars be aligning for the Scot at last in his Grand Slam pursuit?

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.