Murray celebrates Masters success

at that stage that he might live to regret not taking any of them.

He forced Djokovic to serve to stay in the match at 6-5 down, and at 0-30 Murray was again closing in on the title, but soon the pair were into another tie-breaker.

An early mini-break went Murray's way, and was soon wiped out. Another came his way, but again was lost.

Murray then won a magnificent ninth point of the tie-break with a devastating backhand across court which wrongfooted Djokovic, who immediately double-faulted again to fall 6-4 behind.

Djokovic won the next point on serve, but Murray made no mistake as he served again for the title, as a bludgeoned backhand raced past his higher-ranked opponent.

Speaking on court after receiving his winner's trophy, Murray added: "We've known each other since we were 14 and to think six or seven years ago we'd have been playing in finals like this would have been unbelievable."

"I'd also like to thank my team. I've been working with them for seven or eight months now. And I forgot my brother (Jamie). He's sometimes more of a hindrance but thanks anyway!"

"I've really enjoyed this week and I'm looking forward to coming back next year and defending my title."

Djokovic added: "Well done to Andy. It is his first Masters Series but I am sure there are going to be a lot more."

Men's Final of the Western and Southern Financial Group Masters, Cincinnati
8-Andy Murray (Scotland) def. 3-Novak Djokovic (Serbia) 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5)