Andy Murray clinched his first title of 2010 on Sunday after beating Roger Federer 7-5 7-5 to retain the Toronto Masters.
World number four serves up timely win ahead of US Open
Andy Murray clinched his first title of 2010 on Sunday after beating Roger Federer 7-5 7-5 to successfully defend the Toronto Masters.
In a match disrupted by two lengthy rain delays, the Scot outlasted the former world number one and once more displayed an aggressive approach which appeared in marked contrast to that of the subdued Federer.
The win means that Murray now enjoys a record of seven wins in 12 meetings against the Swiss star and also offers a measure of consolation to the world number four after his comprehensive loss to Federer in the final of the Australian Open earlier this year.
Far more importantly for Murray though, the victory confirms he is back to his best following his post-Melbourne slump and comes as a timely rejoinder ahead of the US Open - his favourite grand slam event - which starts in a fortnight's time.
From the off Murray carried over the form which saw him sweep aside Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. He claimed 12 of the opening 16 points to twice break Federer and go 3-0 ahead.
Federer could offer no response at first but then rallied to win back one of the breaks before finally claiming his own service game for the first time.
Murray maintained his slender advantage at 5-4 but promptly threw it away as he attempted to close out the opening set - a sloppy game culminating in a double fault as Federer broke again to draw level.
Momentum
Any thoughts that the momentum might decisively swing Federer's way were soon dispelled though as he too showed nerves and instantly opened the door once more for Murray.
After wasting two break points, Murray set up a third after chasing down a drop shot before setting up a lob, with Federer responding with an attempted pass that strayed beyond the baseline.
There were no slip-ups second time round as Murray closed out his service game to 15 to take the opening set in 59 minutes.
Both players then held as Federer went 2-1 up in the second set before rain halted proceedings. Play was suspended for over 40 minutes and when it did resume, just two points were possible - Murray winning them both to level the set at 2-2 - before the rain returned.
The delay was swift this time and once play got underway once more it was Murray who was quickest to find his range, breaking Federer to 15 to go 3-2 ahead.
The players then shared the first four points of the sixth game of the set before, frustratingly, another deluge forced them back to the locker rooms - this time for an hour.
Now it was Federer's turn to hit the ground running, setting up a break point which he then won for 3-3 after a long exchange which ended with Murray volleying wide.
The match remained on serve before Murray upped the tempo and gained a crucial break for a 6-5 lead.
Federer had the chance to set up another comeback when he earned a break point but Murray produced some big serving when it mattered most.
Having wasted his first match point with an ill-advised drop shot, Murray clinched victory at the second attempt when Federer's defensive lob drifted long.
