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Murray upsets Hewitt to win at SAP Open
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-20 11:49
SAN JOSE - Andy Murray used a mix of deft drops shots and backhand winners to
upset third-seeded Lleyton Hewitt 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (3) on Sunday in the SAP Open,
claiming his first ATP Tour title.
Murray started slow, but settled down
in the second set. Once he gathered himself, his powerful backcourt game proved
too much for Hewitt.
On match point in the third-set tiebreaker, Murray sliced a few shots to set
up a crisp backhand crosscourt winner that Hewitt could only watch.
"Obviously, it's the biggest moment in my life in tennis so far," Murray said
of the win, which earned him $52,000. The win also moves Murray into the top 50
in the tour rankings for the first time.
Murray, who knocked off top-seeded Andy Roddick 7-5, 7-5 in the semifinals,
briefly raised his hands over his head after winning the match. The 18-year-old
shook hands with Hewitt at the net and then climbed into the stands for a long
hug and kiss from his girlfriend.
Murray said his girlfriend's presence during the tournament relaxed him.
"Hopefully she'll come to a few more tournaments," Murray said, drawing
chuckles from the crowd.
Hewitt was tested early, fighting off break points in the first game of the
match and climbing back from love-30 on his serve to go up 3-1. Hewitt would
break Murray twice to close out the set 6-2.
But Murray fought back well and began to hit his backhand with more authority
in the second set. The Brit's clean crosscourt winners brought raucous applause
from the crowd that welcomed him warmly, even after dismissing the tournament
favorite Roddick.
Hewitt refused to go away quietly, staving off two match points with aces in
the third set. Those opportune aces that extended the match gave Murray pause.
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