Tennis: Murray’s the master as world ranking soars

Aug 6 2008 by Stephen Robertson, Stirling Observer Wednesday

Murray’s the master as world ranking soars

ANDY Murray is on a real high in the run-up to the Olympic Games after winning his first Masters title and climbing to his best ever world ranking.

The British number one turned in a storming performance against Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s Cincinnati Masters final, taking the title 7-6, 7-6.

There may have been a few nervy moments along the way, with five match points being saved by the current Australian Open champion, but the Dunblane ace kept his cool and wrapped up the title at the sixth time of asking.

Murray had only beaten Djokovic for the first time the previous week in Toronto and this must have given him great belief going into Sunday’s final.

This second win over the world number three was even sweeter, however, as it landed Murray that coveted first Masters win in the searing heat in Ohio.

After the success a delighted Murray said: “It's huge because to win these tournaments is tough nowadays.”

He added: “It was tough for both of us and there were a lot of long rallies. Your legs really burn out there and they were some of the hardest conditions of the year.”

Sunday’s sensational victory was followed up the very next day by the icing on the cake, when it was confirmed that Murray is now up to sixth in the world – a rise of three places – his highest ever ranking.

Murray now heads to the Olympics in Beijing to go for gold for Great Britain alongside brother Jamie, with whom he is also teaming up with in the doubles.