Andy Murray recovered from a shaky start to win the Dubai Championships for the first time after a straight-sets victory over Fernando Verdasco in the final.
The world No.1 struggled in his first two service games, but shrugged off any rustiness to prevail 6-3 6-2, enough to claim a first title of 2017.
Murray had been runner-up in the same event in 2012, and it looked as though the same fate may fall upon his lap again when dropping his first service game.
But after breaking back straight away, the double Olympic gold medallist found himself 3-1 down with work to do against the Spaniard.
He was to complete a turnaround in some style though, reeling off five successive games to round off the set, staying true to his form to take the second with the minimal of effort.
With his service game back on top form, Murray pounced on even the slightest Verdasco error to maraud his way to a rare maiden title.
And after an unforced error from his opponent, Murray wrapped the game up in fine style with an unreturnable serve, delighted to have come through a tough workout throughout the tournament.
“It’s always nice to win any tournament but especially ones you haven’t won before, so obviously I’m very happy to do it here for the first time,” said Murray.
“It’s been a good start to the year. I played a good match today.
“It’s been quite a few late finishes this week and the last couple of matches I didn’t start as well as I’d like. The conditions have been a difficult with some stopping and starting. But once I got going I was moving well and I finished strong.”
Murray now follows the ATP Tour to USA, with tournaments set for Indian Wells and Miami, in prime position to further strengthen his position atop the world rankings.
Sportsbeat 2017