体坛英语新闻：Andy Murray beats Simon for Madrid glory

BEIJING, Oct. 21-- World No. 4 Andy Murray cruised to his second successive Masters Series title by blasting France's Gilles Simon out of the Madrid Masters 6-4, 7-6 on Sunday.

Neither player matched the heroics of Saturday's semifinals when the Scot beat Roger Federer and Simon defeated Rafael Nadal, and in an attritional baseline battle, Murray's rock-solid serve gave the tired Frenchman few chances.

    "The serve is the reason I won the tournament because today Gilles was hitting the ball better than me from the back of the court," Murray said. "He was obviously more tired than me. I didn't play my best, but really I'm really happy I won."

Andy Murray of Britain (L) holds up the trophy beside runner-up Gilles Simon of France after winning his final match at the Madrid Masters Series tennis tournament, October 19, 2008.

    The 21-year-old Briton struck 10 aces to just one in reply from world No. 16 Simon, who failed to manufacture one break point on Murray's service in a match lasting 93 minutes.

    The 23-year-old from Nice had played for almost 12 hours in the five previous rounds ?? double his rival's court time and Murray seemed happy to wait for a tired Simon to make the mistake as the two traded baseline blows in rallies often lasting 20 shots or more.

Gilles Simon of France reacts after losing a point during his final match against Andy Murray of Britain at the Madrid Masters Series tennis tournament, October 19, 2008.

"I was really tired today. I didn't move like I usually do and Andy knew it. He just wanted to kill me, just wanted to make me run," said the new French No. 1, who smiled despite the defeat.

    The first set turned in the sixth game when Murray put the pressure on Simon's serve before forcing the Frenchman into a mishit drive. The shot was symptomatic of Simon's match as his powerful forehand, so effective in a 3-1/2 hour epic against No. 1 Nadal, failed to fire.

    Murray slapped down four aces to close out the first set, and although Simon pressed harder in the second, he never once went to deuce on the Scot's towering service.

Andy Murray of Britain (R) and Gilles Simon of France hold up their trophies after their final match at the Madrid Masters Series tennis tournament October 19, 2008. Murray won the match

Only when the set went to a tiebreak did Simon threaten.

    Murray hit a drop shot but Simon successfully chased it down and clubbed a cross court winner for a 6-4 lead. Again Murray played the drop shot but the Scot escaped as Simon's reply landed just wide.