Scotsman Andy Murray has started on the right foot in his quest for a second Grand Slam title, winning the warm-up event in Brisbane with a straight sets victory over young gun Grigor Dimitrov.
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Murray, the top seed and world number three, defended his Brisbane International title on Pat Rafter Arena with a 7-6 (7-0) 6-4 victory after holding off a blistering start from the Bulgarian 21-year-old, the youngest man in the men's top 50 (48th).
Murray had been pushed earlier in the week, dropping a set to Australian qualifier John Millman, and had his hands full again in the final.
He clawed his way back in the first set before having too much poise in the tie-break. Murray finished the match with a more regulation second set.
Murray had to play four days in a row but had the resilience to overcome Dimitrov, who was playing his first ATP final.
Dimitrov had a breakout week in Brisbane before falling at the hands of Murray. He ended the hopes of second seed Milos Raonic, seventh seed Jurgen Melzer and the experienced Marcos Baghdatis.
But Murray was a different proposition and the Scotsman will head to Melbourne with another title under his belt and designs at adding the Australian Open crown to his US Open title.
