Murray Cools Dimitrov in Brisbane Final

By Chris Oddo

(January 6, 2013) -- Andy Murray completed his sixth successful career title defense on Sunday with a 7-6(0), 6-4 victory over Grigor Dimitrov in the finals of the Brisbane International. Murray's 25th career title thwarted Dimitrov's attempt to become the first Bulgarian to claim an ATP title in the Open Era (1968).

Dimitrov's week represents marked improvement for the 21-year-old Bulgarian. Saying he’s unrecognizable from his 2012 self would be a stretch -- he’s always been an electrifying player, but the 2013 version of Dimitrov is souped-up and looking poised for a strong push up the ATP ladder. Dimitrov served 52 aces this week to lead the tournament, and when he didn‘t produce aces, he usually got the next best result: short returns that he could move in on and tattoo into the corners.

Dimitrov did it early and often, only not enough in the clutch.

"Everybody will agree he played some extremely exciting tennis," said Murray of Dimitrov in his post-match speech.

After jumping out to an early 3-0 lead Dimitrov held serve twice for a 5-2 lead, but thanks to a few loose errors he was broken while serving for the set in the ninth game. Moments later he nearly broke for the set with Murray serving at 5-6, but the Scot saved himself with his 3rd ace of the day.

In the tiebreaker Murray turned the tables and cruised 7-0, finishing emphatically with another big ace.

Would that be enough to quell the Bulgarian’s spirit? Not entirely.

Dimitrov nosed ahead again in the second set, but the World No. 3 predictably nudged past him once more, breaking serve twice down the stretch to close out a very spirited, highly entertaining 91-minute affair.

Already the youngest player in the top 50, Dimitrov's ranking is projected to rise to No. 39 in the world in spite of the loss. Expectations are rising quickly for the former Wimbledon and U.S. Open junior champion, but with his pedigree he's no stranger to that.

Meanwhile Murray now owns a 25-13 career record in finals, including a 13-2 record in finals against players ranked outside the top ten. The 25-year-old became the first man from Great Britain since 1936 to win a Grand Slam title when he won the U.S. Open in 2012.

"He played some really good shots when he had to," said a respectful Dimitrov, who was playing in his first career final.

It wasn’t the preferred result in today’s final, but Dimitrov can take confidence in the fact that he strung four quality wins together against world-class opposition in Brisbane. Now coached by Magnus Norman's crew in Sweden, Dimitrov appears to be turning a corner under his new tutelage. He is more explosive, more consistent and more determined.

But credit to Murray; he’s a player who aims not to electrify, but to win. He wasn’t pretty like Dimitrov in the final, but his timing was impeccable. With tennis's first major set to begin in seven days, Murray is setting himself up to peak at the right time. He wasn't perfect today, but he can certainly say he's battle tested after having to deal with Dimitrov's aggressive assault.

(Photo Credit: AP)