BRISBANE 2013, FINAL: Andy Murray, Champion again in Brisbane. Defeats Dimitrov 7'6(0), 6'4

[Sallydaisy]

Andy is through to his successive Brisbane Final where he'll defend his title from 2012.

He had a 45minute Semi-Final match which was curtailed when Nishikori stopped with a knee injury originally sustained in his QF against Dolgopolov. The Japanese player had started strongly but gradually Andy worked his way back in and took 7 games on the trot from being 1-4 down.

Dimitrov, by comparison, had a very tough Semi-Final against Baghdatis taking 2 1/2 hrs in the heat of the day to book his place in the Final 6'3, 5'7, 7'6(5).

Grigor has long been considered by the pundits as a potential top 10 player (aren't they all at some stage?) and he's certainly begun this year in a positive way. Although his performance over the last couple of years hasn't always met expectations.

Andy leads their H2H (http://www.atpworldtour.com/Players/Head-To-Head.aspx?pId=MC10&oId=D875) 1-0 having beaten Grigor 6'4, 6'4 in the 2011 Bangkok QF.
At the time the Bulgarian was ranked #78 (after reaching #52) and is now ranked #48.
He has yet to win a title on the ATP Tour and tomorrow is his first ever Final.
To win it he has to beat the World #3, current USO Champion and Olympic Gold Medallist.

Who's your money on?
:p

The Final is played on Sunday - not before 14.00 Brisbane time which is 04.00 in the UK.
:sleepy:

[Sallydaisy]

Some stats from Greg Sharko of the ATP:-

Greg Sharko ‏@SharkoTennis (https://twitter.com/SharkoTennis) .@andy_murray (https://twitter.com/andy_murray) 24-13 career in @ATPWorldTour (https://twitter.com/ATPWorldTour) finals (12-2 vs outside Top 10, 12-11 vs Top 10).
#Dimitrov (https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Dimitrov&src=hash) 1-14 vs Top 10.


Of those 11 Finals lost to Top 10 players (Andy ranked #3 or 4 unless stated otherwise)
4 have been Grand Slams where he lost 3 to Federer(#1 or #2), 1 to Djokovic(#3)
3 Masters lost to Nole#2 (Shanghai 2012), Nole#1 (Miami 2012), Rafa#1 (Indian Wells 2009)
4 other Finals:-
Dubai 2012 - Federer#3
Metz 2007 - Robredo #9 (Andy ranked #18)
Doha 2007 - Ljubicic #5 (Andy ranked #17)
Bangkok 2005 - Federer#1 (Andy was ranked #109)

And the 2 losses to players not in the top 10?
Los Angeles 2010 - Querrey#20 (Andy #4)
Washington 2006 - Clement #57 (Andy #35)

[Sallydaisy]

Still some confusion over Andy's match time on Sunday.

The ATP new livescoreboard is showing it at 13.00 local and after the doubles.
The ATP app. (which I don't have) is apparently show it starting at 14.00.
ATP/Brisbane websites don't currently have an updated OOP for Sunday.
Once they're published that'll probably the correct time so we'll edit as necessary.

[Sallydaisy]

BRISBANE OOP - Sunday 6th January 2013

PAT RAFTER ARENA

13.00 start: Butorac/Hanley [1] v Melo/Robredo
nt/b4 14.00: Andy Murray [1] v Grigor Dimitrov

I'm betting that the Mens Final will slip back at least 30min/an hour.

So, Andy likely to be on court nearer 04.30/05.00 in the UK.

[xenon21]

Will attempt to get up for this as didn't succeed in getting up for Kei match and when I did get up, there was talk of Kei injured so I went to sleep (he retired 2 games after)

[Jane]

It amazes me that these matches are to be played in the "heat" of the day!! Just as well that Brisbane is not being affected by the extreme temperatures that are being experienced in other parts of Australia. On the other hand, Andy will not be getting much help with acclimatisation - Melbourne can sizzle.

[Sallydaisy]

It amazes me that these matches are to be played in the "heat" of the day!! Just as well that Brisbane is not being affected by the extreme temperatures that are being experienced in other parts of Australia. On the other hand, Andy will not be getting much help with acclimatisation - Melbourne can sizzle.

Brisbane at least has a roof - in fact it has 3! They're on Pat Rafter Arena, Courts 1 and 2 and are designed as "open" UV protection roofs as Brisbane sun is very dangerous. Colin Fleming referred to a 'shade' over the court by which he must mean the 'shade' roof. it's a good idea - perhaps Melbourne Park could think of doing it.

Here's a photo ... it shows the open area near the edge of the roof to let natural air in.
So, I'm guessing it can't be air-conditioned as the one at Wimbledon can and is just to block sunlight.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3454/3179824069_5dc84c815f.jpg

[Madeline]

The time for the match is definitely "Not Before" 2pm, which is 4am here. The doubles match is on at 1pm.

3am, 4am - I don't think I can cope with that either way.

[Sallydaisy]

The time for the match is definitely "Not Before" 2pm, which is 4am here. The doubles match is on at 1pm.

3am, 4am - I don't think I can cope with that either way.
Yep, I posted the OOP here (http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1624-BRISBANE-2013-FINAL-Andy-Murray-v-Grigor-Dimitrovi.-Sun-6th-Jan-not-B4-14.00-local-04.00-UK&p=115733&viewfull=1#post115733) but forgot to edit the thread title.
I reckon the hour they've allowed for doubles is probably not long enough so I'd think Andy will end up on court around the same time as today i.e. 04.30/05.00. Is that any better??? Must admit the timings are playing havoc with my body clock already and there's still the AO to come!

[Madeline]

Not really. My body clock has been fouled up by 50 years of marriage with a night owl, and I've had to follow suit or have a breakdown. So early mornings are a no-go, though I can stay up *until* 4am reasonably well. If I could get it on tv I might be tempted, but up at that hour trying to find a decent livestream - no, there are limits!

[Sallydaisy]

Not really. My body clock has been fouled up by 50 years of marriage with a night owl, and I've had to follow suit or have a breakdown. So early mornings are a no-go, though I can stay up *until* 4am reasonably well. If I could get it on tv I might be tempted, but up at that hour trying to find a decent livestream - no, there are limits!
I don't blame you! I live alone so it's less a problem and I had 3hrs sleep yesterday afternoon. Might do the same today tbh 'cos it's the only way I'll survive. The cough/cold is waking me anyhow so I was up before the alarm went off this morning. We'll have to switch time zones again end Feb when he's in the States for IW/Miami.
Who'd be a tennis fan???
:p

[cazza99]

Greg Sharko‏@SharkoTennis

.@andy_murray 24-13 career in @ATPWorldTour finals (12-2 vs outside Top 10, 12-11 vs Top 10). #Dimitrov 1-14 vs Top 10.

[LC the fan]

Andy is worth it. I shall spend a frustrating hour trying to find a live stream, but so be it. ESPN are showing tennis at 8am
But would not be able to resist checking on the result so it's goodbye sleep forme

[JAMES4578]

Andy is worth it. I shall spend a frustrating hour trying to find a live stream, but so be it. ESPN are showing tennis at 8am
But would not be able to resist checking on the result so it's goodbye sleep forme

Indeed Andy is definitely worth it,I'm definitely prepared to watch him at unsociable hours. ESPN are also showing this live at 4 am and am assuming it wouldn't start much before then, they have tennis film "Renee" scheduled for 2.30. Hopefully should the doubles be short they would revise this.

Obviously Andy is favourite to take the title and as has been documented has a good record when this is the case. However, Dimitrov is a talented player and has had a great week. Murray still has to produce on the day!

[cazza99]

Its a shame Nishikori retired as he was to partner Dimitrov in doubles yesterday. If Dimitrov had played doubles he would be even more tired.

[Madeline]

Andy is worth it. I shall spend a frustrating hour trying to find a live stream, but so be it. ESPN are showing tennis at 8am
But would not be able to resist checking on the result so it's goodbye sleep forme

Of course he is worth it, and I have done it just watching live scores of Challengers in his early days - but if you can't do it, you can't do it! I still haven't recovered from the Friday 6am (admittedly I had a bad night and hardly slept anyway).

[rouges]

I don't blame you! I live alone so it's less a problem and I had 3hrs sleep yesterday afternoon. Might do the same today tbh 'cos it's the only way I'll survive. The cough/cold is waking me anyhow so I was up before the alarm went off this morning. We'll have to switch time zones again end Feb when he's in the States for IW/Miami.
Who'd be a tennis fan???
:p
I had that cough 2 weeks prior to Xmas so I know what you are suffering Sally. I went through tons of honey, milk and cloves, I found it soothes the cough. Better health for the AO.

[supergran]

I have been going downstairs and watching ls on computer and must admit have been falling asleep in the afternoon. I too have a cough which is driving me mad as it seems to come on when I'm in bed. Brisbane has been good prep for AO.:thumbup::skippy:

[RoastLamb]

So that's around midnight for me and ljs. Same as last night. I can do that. :thumbup:

[Jane]

With Melbourne being eleven hours ahead, I am hoping Andy will be playing in the evening - forenoon here in the UK

[Madeline]

With Melbourne being eleven hours ahead, I am hoping Andy will be playing in the evening - forenoon here in the UK

Me too! I don't expect they all will be, but some at least, please, schedulers!

[pabbers]

Can't get up without disturbing Mr P unless I sleep in a spare bed, so I'm saving his good will for Oz. If I happen to wake up I might tiptoe down but otherwise I'm envious of those of you who are able to do just as you please.

[MurrayAOne]

I don't blame you! I live alone so it's less a problem and I had 3hrs sleep yesterday afternoon. Might do the same today tbh 'cos it's the only way I'll survive. The cough/cold is waking me anyhow so I was up before the alarm went off this morning. We'll have to switch time zones again end Feb when he's in the States for IW/Miami.
Who'd be a tennis fan???
:p

ME!!!! I'll be up!

[ljs]

Indeed Andy is definitely worth it,I'm definitely prepared to watch him at unsociable hours. ESPN are also showing this live at 4 am and am assuming it wouldn't start much before then, they have tennis film "Renee" scheduled for 2.30. Hopefully should the doubles be short they would revise this.

Obviously Andy is favourite to take the title and as has been documented has a good record when this is the case. However, Dimitrov is a talented player and has had a great week. Murray still has to produce on the day!

have you ever seen that movie James ? Ive read the book , was quite good.

[ljs]

So that's around midnight for me and ljs. Same as last night. I can do that. :thumbup:

think its more 11ish isnt it RL ?

[JAMES4578]

have you ever seen that movie James ? Ive read the book , was quite good.

No I haven't actually, might catch it later.

[ljs]

let me know how it is James , and who plays Martina Navratilova in it

[SamP]

I hope Dimitrov can embrace it because it could be a classic.

I really want to see a few kick on this season, Tomic & Dimitrov are two of those guys.

Andy will still win of course. I'll be up bright and early! ;)

[xenon21]

Wondering what time I should get up tomorrow. Do you reckon the match is more likely to be at around 4:30-5? Then maybe I will get up at 4:30... Need the sleep as hoping to donate blood tomorrow morning and then work

[lynne]

The Very Best of Luck Andy!!!:thumbup:

[karanga]

Very best of luck Andy. :boogie:

[david1610]

I was just thinking that Andy is more or less the age Roger was when they met in the 2005 Bangkok final. Yes this could be a classic if Dimitrov is pressing the "this year it's time to go up to that level" button.
I think we may well need a top ten performance from Andy today. As usual, it is in his hands. Needs to start brightly, serving well from the start.
C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

I was just thinking that Andy is more or less the age Roger was when they met in the 2005 Bangkok final.
And Roger held off the 'young gun' on that occasion!
;)

C'mon Andy!!!

[ljs]

waiting , waiting , tapping fingernails

[Bardot]

It's been confirmed by some journos on twitter that Dimitrov is "dating" Maria Sharapova, that explains the extra spring in his step. :thumbup:

[Sallydaisy]

We have some sort of introductory ceremony going on with someone singing 'Australia' (I think).

[Jane]

A guy singing the Aussie anthem, and Andy and Dim just coming onto court - big cheer

[RoastLamb]

Hurry up Andy!!!

[david1610]

And Roger held off the 'young gun' on that occasion!
;)

C'mon Andy!!!
Absolutely. There were two sides to the comment. The point is I think Dimiitrov might be making his statement that he has arrived, but even so .... but I think it means that Andy will need to be in top gear!

[Jane]

Photo call

[Bardot]

Andy won the toss and chose to receive.....as usual.

[Sallydaisy]

Andy won the toss and has put Dimitrov in to bat first.
;)

The Aussie commentator seems to be rather pro-Grigor.

[ljs]

commies really singing Dimitrov's praises , we'll see

[Jennan]

I can only get live score, need help to get the stream please!!

[ljs]

http://www.hahasport.com/v-4/10/32/v-503294.html

[david1610]

Here we go. C'mon Andy!

[jaysee]

I woke up, saw the time so fired up the laptop. Not sure if it's a good idea as I have a very busy day but...

...Come on Andy!

[david1610]

DF 15-40
C'mon Andy!

[Jane]

OOps

[Sallydaisy]

Dimitrov with an early break for 2-0.

Come on Muzzah!!!
:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[david1610]

Dimitrov really moving Andy around court. Has started much better. Andy needs to put him under some pressure. C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Andy on the board for 1-3. This is how Kei started yesterday ...

[RoastLamb]

He's pretty good this Grigor dude.

[david1610]

Mmm... do you think Andy is sussing him out? Yet to see Andy go up the gear he is going to need unless he is trying to contain Dimitrov rather than outgun him....

[Sallydaisy]

Andy being Andy. Playing himself in at his own pace.
Dimitrov holds for 4-1.

Kitkat time surely?
;)

Come on Muzzah!!!
:swingin::swingin::swingin:

BTW - when he came on court the announcer said "Andy Murray, from Scotland"
:p

[david1610]

Andy stepping it up a bit but still got to step it up a bit more. C'mon Andy!

[Jennan]

He's having a hard job sussing him out, this guy is good - can he keep it up?

[ljs]

I think Grigor is just playing lights out , Andy has to start dictating here when he has the chance.

[ljs]

Better , Grigor loves to blast from the baseline , so Andy will have to outgun him

[MurrayAOne]

Come on Andyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[david1610]

Ok time for the real Andy Murray to arrive otherwise running out of time. Anybody else think Andy has been taking a little off his serve this week to get more first serves in?
C'mon Andy!

[JAMES4578]

Grigor hot and Andy didn't make the best of starts but holds easy enough for 2-4,Andy needs to try and exert some pressure but the Bulgarian solid on serve and only 1 game away from set!

[Bardot]

Isn't it the case if Dimitrov wins then he's likely to be seeded at the AO, he'd certainly be the most dangerous first round floater otherwise.

[ljs]

Dimi remind anyone else of Federer ? his backhand especially & demeanor

[david1610]

0-15 few nerves there I think. Use it Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

Isn't it the case if Dimitrov wins then he's likely to be seeded at the AO, he'd certainly be the most dangerous first round floater otherwise.
I think so i.e. that if he wins this he'll be seeded at the AO.
A lot of probably seeds were probably hoping Davydenko won in Doha so that he'd be a seed at the AO too and not meetable until the R32. Unfortunately, I think Davy will also be a very dangerous R1 or R2 floater for some of the top guys after the form he showed this last week.

Meanwhile, Andy has 2 breakback points.
:shades:

[RoastLamb]

ooh KITKAT!!!

[Sallydaisy]

And there's the break back.
Andy needs to hold now though.

Come on Muzzah!!!
:swingin::swingin::swingin:

[LC the fan]

Yes yes yes! This kids good, very good but think Andy is getting his measure

[RoastLamb]

Dimi remind anyone else of Federer ? his backhand especially & demeanor

He's always been compared to Federer. Baby Federer, etc. The commies keep saying they won't compare him to Fed today but of course that's what they are doing. :rolleyes:

[david1610]

Dimitri loses serve due to a few nerves as much as Andy breaking there methinks.
Now a safe hold and then attack Andy while he is thinking of what may have been.
That forehand into the corner and then come into the net combination from Dimitrov is pretty lethal.

Hope Andy knows what he is doing and if this is one of those "get in your opponent's head and mess it up" matches
C'mon Andy!

[Sallydaisy]

'morning all by the way. Has everyone had breakfast? No bagels from the guys on court for us.
:)

[JAMES4578]

Grigor tightened up but Andy took his chance and breaks back,come on!

[LC the fan]

Big serves now, Andy

[ljs]

He's always been compared to Federer. Baby Federer, etc. The commies keep saying they won't compare him to Fed today but of course that's what they are doing. :rolleyes:

oh has he , didnt know that , think Ive only seen him play once before this tourny

[david1610]

Deuce. 4-5 Quality serving please. C'mon Andy!

[JAMES4578]

'morning all by the way. Has everyone had breakfast? No bagels from the guys on court for us.
:)

Morning, bagels unlikely in the match I think!

[LC the fan]

First time I've seen him, I think. Oh boy this is tight

[Jane]

:) 5-5

[david1610]

'morning all by the way. Has everyone had breakfast? No bagels from the guys on court for us.
:)
Given it is so early, are we allowed to dress casually.
Or, to put it another way, do we get a ... tie break?

[david1610]

Wow! Andy doesn't know what shot to play. We don't see that very often!

[RoastLamb]

'morning all by the way. Has everyone had breakfast? No bagels from the guys on court for us.
:)

Breakfast? That's at least 9 hours from now. :lol:

[david1610]

Well Grigor is back on song. Andy also playing better and cannot slip back now Grigor has stopped the UEs.
C'mon Andy!

[AussieAndyFan]

Really wish I was up there! We were planning on it but had too much on :(

[LC the fan]

Andys body language is not good. He s getting a bit down on himself. Nothing unusual a year or so back but not good to see it again.

[JAMES4578]

Really wish I was up there! We were planning on it but had too much on :(

Oh a pity,hopefully Andy takes this to a breaker, and steps up! So down but saves it.

[ljs]

Andys body language is not good. He s getting a bit down on himself. Nothing unusual a year or so back but not good to see it again.

Im sure hes frustrated as heck

[Jane]

Phew - that was close - tb

[david1610]

Causal attire it is then! C'mon Andy!

[ljs]

very smart Andy is

[david1610]

very smart Andy is
Been watching Star Wars reruns oh Jedi Master you? :)

[LC the fan]

Looking better....6 set points

[Jane]

What a relief:yahoo::yahoo:

[Bardot]

That's how to play a tie-breaker! :dance:

[Jennan]

Relief all round

[RoastLamb]

Well that tb was certainly decisive. :shocked:

[LC the fan]

Let's hope the momentum carries into set 2

[Alis]

Morning everyone! Well done Andy - does anyone have a link to a livestream? I don't seem to be able to get one to work.

[Tie-break]

That's what I call an emphatic tie-break. I like it.

Great statement of intent, given how well Dimitrov played in that first set. He must be wondering a) how he lost it and b) what else he can do.

Well done Andy!!

[JAMES4578]

Such an emphatic breaker,great stuff Andy! Hopefully he can keep the momentum going!

[LC the fan]

Such an emphatic breaker,great stuff Andy! Hopefully he can keep the momentum going!

Followed by a convincing hold. Just starting to relax - me, not Andy !

[ljs]

Morning everyone! Well done Andy - does anyone have a link to a livestream? I don't seem to be able to get one to work.

http://www.hahasport.com/v-4/10/32/v-503294.html

[david1610]

Stay focused. C'mon Andy!

[LC the fan]

Good to see his service stats, apart from his first service game it's been looking strong. Hope that's not speaking too soon

[david1610]

The fascination of the mental side of tennis.....
Shot skill, court craft and mental fortitude... this is where Andy's experience of playing lots of finals and top opponents really does count.
Stay focused though! C'mon Andy!

[Hawkeye]

Dimitrov's UE count starting to climb. A break now and this could be over.

[david1610]

2-2 There is still a match to be won here as it only takes a bit of a walkabout by Andy ....
Stay focused. C'mon Andy!

[david1610]

Well held. This is pretty good quality and looking at it as a warm up tournament for Melbourne, just what the doctor ordered!
The W would be nice as well of course but glad Andy has had to play some good stuff and still will have to.
C'mon Andy!

[LC the fan]

Andy still seems to have some doubts about the best way to play him.....and sometimes indecision proves fatal

[Jennan]

Just what I was thinking

[david1610]

Andy seems to have lost his range ... 30-30. Good serving please!

[LC the fan]

Not a drop shot all match although that s no bad thing. This guy is fast around court

[ljs]

wow , that wasnt pretty

[LC the fan]

Spoke too soon about the serve......

[Jane]

ouch

[Jennan]

Kinda knew that was coming

[david1610]

Andy has just rekinkled Dimitrov's chances. Oh dear. Never simple, is it?

[JAMES4578]

Oh no Grigor breaks with some assistance and Andy with it all to do it again!

[Jane]

Want this over in two sets as I feel the need for some more kip

[LC the fan]

Have faith !!!

[Tie-break]

Just when I thought he was managing to keep his focus....

[Hawkeye]

New year, same old frailties.

[ljs]

me too Jane :sleepy:

[LC the fan]

Want this over in two sets as I feel the need for some more kip
Me too, but have a feeling it's going to be a 3 setter now

[Alis]

We know Andy always likes to do it the hard way - that's why we love him!

[david1610]

Well that was a Jekyll and Hyde five minutes.

Let's have Dr. Jekyll for the rest of the set please!

[Hawkeye]

That's more like it.

[LC the fan]

Back came the serve ! Now can he do it ?

[Sallydaisy]

How about another break of serve Andy?
;)

[Alis]

C'mon Andy - finish it now!

[Tie-break]

Well, what a difference two games make! It's like he thought - well I need to step up a gear after all. And did he! Now finish it.

[Hawkeye]

A 56 second service game and Dimitrov is serving to stay in the match.

[JAMES4578]

Andy is anything but predictable at times,put himself in a hole but responded like true champion. Now puts Dimitrov under pressure again!

[LC the fan]

2points

[david1610]

Championship point. Please take it before anything else happens!

[Jane]

Well done, Andy - and a good work-out too:cheer::cheer::cheer::clap::clap::clap:

[Sallydaisy]

GSM Murray 7'6, 6'4.
:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Jennan]

:skippy:

[LC the fan]

Yes yes yes, we'll done Andy

[Hawkeye]

Excellent, now for some sleep!

[Bardot]

He is good oor Andy!!!:skippy::boogie::clap:

[Alis]

Well done Andy - hopefully, the first of many this season!

[david1610]

Don't forget the watch! Unless ATP 250s don't count....

[Jennan]

Andy's really emotional

[lynne]

Well Done Andy......:thumbup::thumbup:

[LC the fan]

Great warm up for AO...phew. Back to bed

[JAMES4578]

Andy wins,well done! Dimitrov was tough to handle at times but a gutsy display as Andy took the big points! Whilst Andy can play better should get a boost taking the title in this manner.:cheer::cheer::cheer:

[ljs]

:cheer::cheer: what a champ

[Jane]

Presentation on now

[RoastLamb]

Good stuff!!! :yahoo:

[david1610]

Good... enough... in the end(s) of the sets. Another couple of years of progress by Grigor and it will need a lot more work by a top player to finish him off.

Mixed feelings about that. Very pleased Andy won. Liked some of the tennis in patches. No injury worries and another tournament.

But a slight feeling that Dimitrov lost it as much as Andy won it or, rather, Andy won it without having to be at his top level for more than part of each set. But so be it! Congratulations Andy!

[Tie-break]

I hope he leaves Brisbane with the feeling of job done. From his less than ecstatic reaction at the end of the match methinks he's feeling some pressure?

Well done and congratulations Andy. Hope that preparation for the AO is going as planned.

[RoastLamb]

Uh-oh! Who's the friend he was referring to? Ross

[david1610]

I hope he leaves Brisbane with the feeling of job done. From his less than ecstatic reaction at the end of the match methinks he's feeling some pressure?

Well done and congratulations Andy. Hope that preparation for the AO is going as planned.
I think his dedication of the tournament to a good friend who is clearly very ill explains the emotion....

[Jane]

He is struggling with his emotions right now

[LC the fan]

Is Ross that ill ? Andy gets emotional quite easily but even so.....? Perhaps someone else

[ljs]

aww really felt for Andy there , hopefully his friend will be ok

[Tie-break]

I think his dedication of the tournament to a good friend who is clearly very ill explains the emotion....

Ahh... That explains a lot. My stream finished before the presentation so didn't see that bit.

[ljs]

Is Ross that ill ? Andy gets emotional quite easily but even so.....?

is it Ross ?

[lynne]

Well Andy's emotional speech explains a lot......shows things in life are not as straight forward as they look!!!

[Jennan]

It was good to see the presentation, I suppose we will eventually find out the name of his friend.

[supergran]

Well done Andy....job done. That sign to heavens was all about the friend who is ill and he was very emotional dedicating his win to him. First mention so hope he's on the road to recovery.

[JAMES4578]

Not sure if it is Ross tbh,though he hasn't been playing lately.

[Bardot]

Andy played brilliantly when he needed to like a true champion, when a break down in the first set, in the tie-break and after he was broken in the second he turned the screw. Andy definitely won this match.

[david1610]

He did not actually say who ...is the suggestion it is Ross based on anything more than he is a good friend and he missed the start of the season (which we thought was a "run-of-the-mill" tennis injury.

[supergran]

He did not actually say who ...is the suggestion it is Ross based on anything more than he is a good friend and he missed the start of the season (which we thought was a "run-of-the-mill" tennis injury.When he first started raising his fingers to the sky.....a while ago now....I read that it was for a friend but that's all and Andy never explained when asked by journalists. Today was the first mention of his friend and it clearly means a lot to him that he's home and watching him.

[ljs]

we never know what these players are dealing with privately do we , very touching from Andy , he has a soft heart

[Bardot]

I hope he isn't asked in the press conference who the friend is, usually tennis journalists stick to the matters in hand.

[xenon21]

I can't believe I slept through the alarm and only woke up at the end of match :( well done Andy for his victory, even more so when his mind could have been part back home. I am hopin the presentation ceremony is online somewhere. Gutted I missed this!

Really hope Andy's friend isn't seriously ill and he/she gets better soon! Very sweet and touching dedication from Andy in the end. Andy is so sweet and has a lovely heart!

[Sallydaisy]

It was good to see the presentation, I suppose we will eventually find out the name of his friend.
Well, whoever it is I hope they are truly going to pull through as Andy has wished.
I know Ross wasn't injured in LaManga - that was Colin who tweeted about it a couple of times.

It seems Andy made the point with his signature on the camera:-

Todd Balym ‏@toddbalym (https://twitter.com/toddbalym) Murray signed tv camera "For you ...(followed by a name we couldn't decipher starting with Pev...)

[patmoren]

Great start to the year for Andy. Now for Melbourne and hopefully his second Grand Slam

[Fina]

Yay. Great to see Andy gaining confidence and match practice with this win. Onwards and upwards. :clap:
He seemed very emotional at the end. I wish his friend well. Just puts everything into perspective really.

[scrapaddict]

Excellent match - well worth getting up for.
Andy played very well against an opponent who looks like a big threat in the future

[SamP]

Andy did to Dimitrov what Rafa & Roger did to him in the early part of his career. You could argue Dimitrov was the better player for longer periods, but Andy often played the better tennis against those guys when he was younger, but he made one or two mistakes and they made him pay for it. It's the sign of a champion.

He'll be delighted with this tournament. He's hopefully acclimatised, and come through a number of difficult moments and played good tennis. That second serve is pretty bad mind. But i'm sure it'll improve now Ivan's here.

[themass15]

Happy New Year everyone. Great start to the year for Andy. Is the friend he referred to Ross Hutchins? Colin Fleming played with Jamie last week and he is playing with Bruno Soares this week.

[Madeline]

Brilliant start to the year! :bravo:

Does anybody know if any tv companies are going to show a re-run today? There is a site called mypremiumtv where I might be able to watch it.

[themass15]

It is due to be repeated on ESPN about now

[Madeline]

Thanks - I'm watching it now. The link for anybody else that needs it is http://mypremium.tv/ and click on ESPN

[Mandiemoo]

Congratulations to Andy! Perfect way to prepare for Oz Open.

And my best wishes to his sick friend too, I hope he makes a good recovery.

[Katie]

Really pleased that Andy's been able to defend his title! :) His form is looking good ahead of the Aussie Open, hope he can have a good shot at the title there.

I'm very sorry to hear about his friend - hope he makes a full recovery.

[banskogirl]

Can't get up without disturbing Mr P unless I sleep in a spare bed, so I'm saving his good will for Oz. If I happen to wake up I might tiptoe down but otherwise I'm envious of those of you who are able to do just as you please.

Sounds like my house! Yes that's why I'm saving it for Oz open ;)

[Madeline]

The mystery of the sick friend is solved - I'm reading that Ross Hutchins has announced on Twitter that he has been diagnosed with cancer, Hodgkins Lymphoma. Get well soon, Ross, you are a strong young man, I'm sure you will pull through.

[pabbers]

WOW!!! Just watched some of the match highlights on Youtube and Dimitrov is to be feared for the future IMHO. He played some stunning shots and his backhand is deadly - so powerful.

[Golden Lady]

Delighted for Andy in retaining the title. Great start to the year and good prep for the up and coming slam.

Thoughts and prayers are with Ros Hutchins, I hope that he will make a full recovery and be well again soon.

[Jan]

Well done Andy - saw the result this morning! :cheer::cheer:
Off to read all about it.

So sorry to read about Ross.

[daveollie]

Good stuff today Andy, put the 'up and coming' guy in his place and great prep for a tilt at major No.2 when it all starts next week. Bring it on Novak............

[Sallydaisy]

Posts about Ross Hutchins are being moved to this thread:
http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1628-Ross-Hutchins

[Jan62]

Been a busy day so just now catching up on tennis news. Delighted for Andy that he retained his title. grigor could have been a really awkward customer - first saw him at Queens (?2011?) and he looks great - not called Baby Fed for nothing, can see lots of similarities in style. grigor also very easy on the eye - and if you get a close up he has the most gorgeous eyes! But I digress..... Pleased that Andy has come through this warm up week, roll on the AO.

[LC the fan]

Good to see Andy 'in charge' just like the top players should always be. It'll take a player at his best to pass him this year

[Sallydaisy]

This is a link to the whole match but NOT the oncourt interview or presentation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7UuoFLpdQ4k

[Manaus]

Great start to the year for Andy, hopefully a sign of good things to come. Haven't been watching the matches as I'm trying to save my energy for the Aus Open. :)

[Mandiemoo]

This is a link to the whole match but NOT the oncourt interview or presentation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=7UuoFLpdQ4k

Here is just Andy speech if anyone hasn't seen it. The message to Ross is at the end 02:26.

http://www.espn.co.uk/tennis/sport/video_audio/186987.html?genre=19;sport=5

[Caro]

Can't wait for the AO now! Well done Andy. Such a sensitive soul - makes us all love him all the more!!

[cazza99]

Sally did a match report of the final here - http://www.andymurrayfanforum.com/forums/showthread.php?1626-Andy-Murray-retains-his-Brisbane-title-match-report