Murray reveals inspiration in Brisbane

6 Jan 2013, 8:13 pm   -   Source: AAP

A choked up Andy Murray has dedicated his second straight Brisbane International title to a sick friend after overcoming rising star Grigor Dimitrov.

Back-to-back Brisbane International titles by world No.3 Andy Murray sent a clear message ahead of the Australian Open.

But it was an emotional revelation after his 7-6 (7-0) 6-4 win over Bulgarian rising star Grigor Dimitrov that made many sit up and take notice on Sunday.

Since last year, US Open champion Murray had never revealed the inspiration behind a post-victory gesture in which he points with both hands to the sky.

He raised his hands again on Sunday after subduing the power-hitting Dimitrov - the youngest player in the top 50 at 21 - in just under an hour and a half.

But this time a choked up Murray dropped his guard when accepting the winner's trophy for the second straight year.

"I'd like to dedicate this victory to one of my best friends," Murray told the Pat Rafter Arena crowd.

"He's back home watching and, you're going to get through."

And instead of the traditional winner's signature, Murray wrote "For You (indiscernible)" on a TV camera lens before leaving the court.

Murray was back to his stony faced best at the post-match press conference, saying it was "just a sick friend" when politely quizzed about the dedication.

He may be a man of few words but he had made a point to his rivals by overcoming the world No.48 Dimitrov, dubbed the next big thing in tennis, to capture his 25th career title in Brisbane.

Like last year, Murray also won the Brisbane crown and hopes history continues to repeat in 2013.

Under new coach Ivan Lendl, Murray claimed the 2012 Brisbane crown to spark a breakthrough year which included Olympic gold and ending Britain's 76-year wait for a grand slam winner.

But Murray will take nothing for granted at the Australian Open despite arriving as the reigning US champion.

"I hope it is a good omen," Murray said of Sunday's win.

"I hope that the Australian Open goes a bit better for me than it did last year (when he lost in a five-set semi-final to Novak Djokovic).

"I do feel more relaxed one week out from a slam than I have done previously, that's for sure, so I hope that's a good sign."

And with the calming influence of Lendl it seems Murray will be backing himself in Melbourne.

"It's tough to say exactly in a few words how he has improved my game," he said.

"He tries to keep things fairly simple and not overcomplicate things.

"That's something that I think especially at the beginning of my career I struggled with, was having a lot of variety and not knowing how to use it.

"I think I've started to use it better now."

Appearing in his first ATP World Tour final, Dimitrov showed why he had already earned comparisons with Roger Federer by racing to a 4-1 lead only to blink first when serving for the first set at 5-3.

Murray then forced a tiebreak which he completely controlled.

Murray appeared in control in the second set before a lapse in concentration let Dimitrov break in the seventh game.

But a clinical Murray won the next three games to seal the title.

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