• Rogers Cup

Murray back to winning ways in Toronto

Andy Murray became the first player to successfully defend his Canadian title in 15 years © Getty Images

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Andy Murray came out on top of a rain-disrupted final to beat Roger Federer and defend his Rogers Cup title in Toronto.

The British No. 1 fired a warning to his rivals ahead of the US Open, when he secured his first title of the season and became the first player to to win back-to-back titles in Canada since Andre Agassi in 1995 after a 7-5 7-5 victory.

After his superb semi-final victory over Rafael Nadal, the British No. 1 continued where he left off, grabbing a double break to take a 3-0 lead. But Murray was unable to maintain the pressure, and Federer kept himself in the set with a swift response. With his advantage narrowed down to a single break, Murray served for the set, but a double fault on break point allowed Federer back in.

Just as it looked as if the opening set was heading for a tie-break, Murray broke straight back when Federer sent a forehand sailing wide, and was able to hold his nerve to take the opening set.

After a tentative exchange in the opening stages of the second set, Murray grabbed his chance and took another break, but his progress was halted by a lengthy rain delay, and when the players returned to the court, it was Federer who was able to settle, and levelled once more.

Murray was slower to rediscover his rhythm, but in the 11th game he unleashed a torrent of aggressive ground strokes, forcing Federer to make mistakes and he was rewarded with a break.

Serving for the match, Murray produced back-to-back aces to save break point, but a delicate backhand volley failed to edge over the net to seal the title. But when Federer's attempted lob drifted long, it was a hard-earned victory and a huge mental boost for the Scot.

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