Andy Murray rewrites history with Munich win

Top seed first Briton to win an ATP clay-court title since 1976

MUNICH: Andy Murray won the first clay-court title of his career when he saw off Germany’s Philipp Kohlschreiber in a tough three-setter during Monday’s rain-delayed final of Munich’s ATP tournament.

The world number three and top seed in Munich needed just over three hours to seal a 7-6 (7/4), 5-7, 7-6 (7/4) win over Kohlschrieber, ranked 24th in the world, who fought hard in front of his home crowd in the Bavarian capital.

It was the 32nd title of Murray’s career but his first on clay as he prepares for the French Open at the end of the month. He is the first British player to win an ATP clay-court tournament since Englishman Christopher “Buster” Mottram in April 1976.

“It was a really tough match, he served very close to the line and I was getting frustrated,” said Murray, who was playing in his first tournament since getting married last month. “The rain made things really tough, but as a Scot I’m used to that. It’s been a hard couple of days, so I am very happy to have won, especially on clay. I didn’t realise I was the first Brit to win on clay for so long, so that’s obviously an honour.”

It was a gruelling tussle and reminiscent of their epic five-setter in the third round at Roland Garros last year when Murray claimed victory after winning 12-10 in the fifth.

Heavy rain meant only 23 minutes of the final could be played on Sunday before the match was moved.

The Scot had little time to celebrate with a bye into the second round at this week’s Madrid Masters — where he is set to face Kohlscreiber.

“It obviously really hurts when you have given your all, but I am really grateful for the support I got here,” said Kohlschreiber. “It’s too soon to think about the next tournament, but it showed we are at the same level and both of us went to our limits.” 

Published in The Express Tribune, May 5^th,  2015.

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