Murray beats Nadal to take Japan Open title

Wednesday, 12 October 2011 15:54

Written by Editor

Andy Murray came from a set down to beat defending champion Rafael Nadal in the final of the Japan Open.

The British number one, who won last week's Thailand Open, hit six aces and broke Nadal twice to win the second set 6-2 after losing the first 6-3. Murray then broke the Spanish world number two on three more occasions to win by taking the deciding set 6-0.

"I played some great tennis and the third set was some of the best I've played against him," said Murray.

"There were a lot of close games towards the end of the first set and the beginning of the second but I managed to get the momentum and didn't give him many chances after that.” A devastating final set, during which he afforded Nadal only four points, has to be considered one of Murray's finest. He was loose and aggressive, constantly stepping inside the baseline.

Everything was off the centre of the racquet and it was a joy to watch. Nadal didn't seem to be struggling physically –  this was sheer brilliance from the Scot. With back-to-back titles in Bangkok and Tokyo, how he must wish for a major to be magically created in Asia.

"I was very consistent, didn't make too many mistakes and kept a cool head in the important moments," Murray said.