• Western & Southern Open

Murray wins in Cincinnati after Djokovic retires

Andy Murray claimed his second title of the year © Getty Images

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Andy Murray ramped up his US Open preparations with his first Masters title of the year, winning the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati after Novak Djokovic retired hurt.

Murray, who himself had to allay fears of an injury before Sunday's final, was leading 6-4 3-0 when Djokovic offered his hand after struggling with a shoulder injury.

But Murray showed no signs of ailment as he burst out of the blocks in Ohio, snatching an early break in the opening game. Djokovic, who had lost just one match all season, looked off-colour and his game was riddled with errors in the early stages.

The world No. 4 threatened to force a double break, but Djokovic rallied to hold serve, and as the Serb began to find his range, Murray's serve came under pressure, and Djokovic got himself back on level pegging after Murray blazed a forehand wide.

But despite being visibly frustrated, the British No. 1 responded immediately to break back once again, before holding firm to clinch the opening set. Djokovic saved the first set point with a sensational lob after luring Murray into the net with a drop shot, but it merely delayed the inevitable as the world No. 1 was made to pay for 20 unforced errors.

Djokovic received treatment from the trainer during the break, but he opted to carry on, but he soon found himself in trouble, Murray claiming the early break once again to tighten his grip on the match.

With Djokovic clearly struggling, a second break saw the Serb offer his hand. Ironically, moments after his decision to throw in the towel, the heavens opened in Ohio, which could have offered the top seed a respite to rest his injured shoulder before returning to court later on Sunday.

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