Murray breaks title drought

AN EMOTIONAL Andy Murray rray has claimed his first ATP Tour title for more than two- and-a-half f years by beating Stan Wawrinka in the European Open decider in

Antwerp.

In just his sixth singles tournament since returning ng from the hip resurfacing operation he underwent in n

January, Murray had significantly exceeded expectations by making it all the way to the final.

There he faced his old rival Wawrinka, who was in the ascendancy for the vast st majority of the match.

But Murray dug in superbly, saving eight of the 12 break points he faced, including luding several at crucial times, and nd battled to a 6-3 4-6 6-4 victory. ctory. The last time he lifted silverware are in singles came in Dubai in March 2017, so it was no surprise that the tears quickly flowed.

“Obviously it means a lot, the last few years have been extremely difficult, both me and Stan have had a lot of injury problems the last couple of years,” Murray said.

“It’s amazing to be back playing him in a final. I think it was a great match, Stan was playing unbelievable, hitting winners from all over the court. I just managed to hang in a bit at the end of the second set and the third set was extremely close again. I didn’t expect to be in this position so

I’m very happy.

“This is one of the biggest wins that I’ve had after everything so I’m very proud.”

The 32-year-old is now expected to take a break until the Davis Cup finals next month while he waits for the birth of his third child.