Murray rises to sixth after Masters win

Tennis : Andy Murray celebrated his first Masters Series title after defeating Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati last night

Tennis: Andy Murray celebrated his first Masters Series title after defeating Novak Djokovic in Cincinnati last night. The Scot also moved up to a career-high of sixth in the latest world rankings are released today

The British number one produced a stunning performance to overcome the Serb 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/5) in a thrilling final in Ohio.

"It's huge because to win these tournaments is tough nowadays," said the Scot after his win in two hours and 23 minutes.

"I've played five days in these conditions and had eight or nine matches in the last couple of weeks. But I've put in the physical work and it's paid off."

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Murray reached the semi-finals in Toronto last week - beating fellow 21-year-old Djokovic along the way - and has further underlined his upsurge in form with his performances in Cincinnati.

There were some jitters towards the end as he needed six match points to take victory but his title was richly deserved.

Murray dominated the Australian Open champion and world number three from the start and twice went close to breaking early on while comfortably holding his own serve.

Djokovic held him off until a tiebreak but Murray came through that with ease to take the opening set.

Murray was broken early in the second set but immediately broke back and then repeated the dose in game eight to edge ahead.

That put Murray in sight of the title but four match points were squandered as Djokovic rallied and produced his best tennis.

Djokovic broke to take the set to a tiebreak but, after a number of long rallies, Murray eventually prevailed on his sixth match point.

"I got very nervous and he was hitting the ball really big but I hung in well," Murray added.

"It was tough for both of us and there were a lot of long rallies. Your legs really burn out there and they were some of the hardest conditions of the year.

"But I stayed calm throughout and didn't waste any energy - especially when I went behind in a couple of matches.

"In the past maybe I'd have let that get to me but now I'm playing top players on a regular basis and I'm better equipped."

Djokovic, a rival of Murray's from their junior days, paid tribute to his friend.

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