Andy Murray collected his ninth career title with a breathtaking display of tennis to defeat Andy Roddick 6-4 6-2 in Doha. The British number one dispelled fears of an injured back, to produce an outstanding array of shots to outwit his more experienced opponent.
The American was unable to unlock Murray, his efforts from the back of the court were futile, approaching the net led to punishment by passing shots, and the Scot was on top form, consistently out-manoeuvring Roddick with his trademark two-handed backhand.
Murray was clinical on his break point opportunities, taking all three chances as they arose. Roddick carved out his first opportunity as Murray served for the match, but clutch serving and some tremendous all-court play enabled the world number four to successfully defend his title, and look forward to the AO with bundles of confidence.
Murray saved his best tennis until the final, and is looking in imperious form for the first grand slam of the year, which begins in just over 10 days time.
Match statistics (1 image)Murray's comments at the award ceremonyFirst I’d like to congratulate Andy (Roddick) on making the final, it’s his first week with his new coach so congratulations to the team, I hope you have a very successful year.
I’d also like to thank everyone who helped put the tournament on, ExxonMobil, the Qatar Tennis Federation, all of the umpires and lines judges, I know we give them too much grief sometimes but without them we wouldn’t have the tournament. All of the ball kids, everyone who helped put it on, thanks a lot.
I’d also like to thank my team over there, boys and girls, it’s been a great year for me last year, hopefully I’ll continue the same this year.
Finally and most importantly I’d like to thank everyone who came out here tonight, it’s absolutely packed, it’s a really good atmosphere out here. Each year I come back the tournament it gets better and better and my support got better as the week went on as well. I look forward to coming back again next year and defending my title. Thank you.
Murray's post-match interviewWhat excites me is that I don't think I'm close to my best tennis. I still think I can play better and improve things.
As in the last two sets against Federer I served very well. In one of the games Andy had a chance to break me, but when I got behind I served very well.
On the big points I didn't give him too many chances to hit winners and when that happens it makes life easier.
The semi-final and final matches were very good against two top players so I am very pleased. It is great to start the season with a title.
I feel good going into the Australian Open but after what happened last year I don't want to get too carried away. I just need to concentrate on each match and fight hard as every round will be tough.
I have defended my title in three different tournaments now so I like to go back to the same places. I've always felt very comfortable in Doha.
I am one of the top guys but I don't know if I am the favourite at the Australian Open. There is Roger, Rafa and Novak who won last year. I like playing in Melbourne but I did not play well last year.
