Abu Dhabi: Andy Murray underlined his growing stature on Saturday by beating top-ranked Rafael Nadal in the final of the Capitala World Tennis Championship, following up his victory over Roger Federer the previous day.
The fourth-ranked Murray defeated Nadal 6-4, 5-7, 6-3 to claim the winner-take-all $250,000 prize money, and the Briton is now aiming to try to win his first Grand Slam title when the Australian Open starts on January 19.
"I am looking forward to winning a Grand Slam this year and this victory was good before I go to Australia. I have never been past the fourth round there," Murray said. "I trained hard over the break and the victories over the past three days have given me confidence."
Murray, who will first defend his Qatar Open title in Doha, paid tribute to the support he received at the exhibition event. The shootout tournament, not part of the ATP Tour, fielded six of the world's top 10 players.
"The atmosphere here was pretty special over the last three days," he said. "I am tired. It was a tough match and we both played well."
Murray's only previous victory over Nadal in six matches was at the US Open semi-finals in September, but the Spaniard had played 111 matches in 2008 and had to pull out of the Davis Cup final against Argentina in November due to an injured knee.
Murray, who has added more muscle to his frame during the offseason, broke Nadal in the third game of the first set.
Nadal broke back in the eighth but dropped serve immediately and Murray wrapped up the set by holding serve in the next game.
Both players exchanged service breaks in the second set on the sixth and seventh games. Two unforced errors saw Murray concede serve and the set in the 12th game.
In the decider, both players played out long rallies but held serve.
Murray broke Nadal after a marathon seventh game and then held serve to go up 5-3. Murray's court coverage helped him run everything down and he broke Nadal one more time.
Nadal was happy with his display despite the loss.
"It has been an amazing three days. I feel I played well but Andy played a bit better," Nadal said.
"He has carried his form over the last four months and he has a good chance to win in Australia. For me it was a very good test. Playing 2 hours, 45 minutes at the best level is good. I forgot about my knee and my injury. I am looking forward to the year," he added.
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