Murray top of world and Paris

ANDY Murray celebrated his rise to the top of the world rankings by beating John Isner 6-3 6-7 (4/7) 6-4 in a hard-fought BNP Paribas Masters final in Paris.

M u r r ay, 2 9 , a l r e a dy assured of the No 1 spot for the first time in his career, sealed his eighth ATP Tour title of t he season with victory over his big-serving 6ft. 10in. American opponent in two hours and 17 minutes.

Milos Raonic’s withdrawal from his scheduled semi-final clash against Murray on Saturday was enough for the Scot to overhaul Novak Djokovic, who had spent 122 consecutive weeks as No 1 from July 2014 before his quarter-final defeat to Marin Cilic.

Murray needed only one break point in the first set, seizing on his chance in the sixth game to go 4-2 up. Although I sner had two break points of his own, he was unable to take them and the Scot served out at 5-3 to seal it in 37 minutes.

World No 27 Isner improved markedly in the second set, to win it 6-3.

H o w e v e r, M u r r a y ’s energy levels in the decider were impressive and he dropped only four points on serve to lead 4-3 before Isner levelled it up at 4-4.

Isner, who has now lost his three ATP Tour finals, pushed Murray all the way in the ninth game of the decider but the Briton held, forcing Isner to serve to stay in the match.

A dipping backhand from Murray secured him a rare break point. He seized his chance at the first attempt to break Isner for the second time to seal the match, and the title to cement his No 1 ranking.

Andy Murray